Practical experience with adjustable, non-extensible compression bandages in patients with nonhealing trophic ulcers

Abstract

Introduction. The adjustable non-extensible compression bandage is a new product recently registered and approved for clinical use in the Russian Federation. The main indications for its use are severe chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema, which cannot be corrected with traditional bandages and flat knit medical compressions. On the affected limb, an adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage allows high working pressure to be created at low, approaching zero, resting pressure. And depending on the tension of the velcro fastener, the working pressure can be adjusted between 20 and 50 mmHg or more. At the same time, the patient can maintain the actual pressure independently, regardless of the reduction in the volume of the limb. Low resting pressure makes it possible to use this type of bandage all day without the discomfort that is typical for traditional bandages and therapeutic compression knitwear felt by patients during sleep.Clinical case. Patient diagnosed with chronic lymphovenous insufficiency in both lower limbs. CEAP class C5 on the left, CEAP class C5 on the right. After undergoing acute iliofemoral thrombosis on the left, complicated by thromboembolism of small branches of the pulmonary artery, he was treated in a specialized vascular unit, where anticoagulant, antiplatelet and phlebotropic therapy was carried out. After the second episode of deep vein thrombosis, pain in the lower extremities, swelling of the tibia, skin itching and the appearance of small trophic ulcers started to worry, which temporarily closed against the background of increased compression therapy, prescription of phlebotropic drugs and local treatment. Subsequently, large trophic ulcers were formed on the inner surface of both shins above the ankle joint. An adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage was used on the right shin to correct chronic venous insufficiency and heal a trophic ulcer. The use of an adjustable, non-extensible compression bandage within 2 to 4 weeks resulted in the disappearance of chronic swelling, reduction of the pain syndrome, and then 5 months later – led to a reduction in trophic ulcer and the disappearance of infection signs.Conclusions. This clinical case of the successful closure of a large infected trophic ulcer that occurred after deep vein thrombosis against the background of coxarthrosis and which remained unhealed for 7 years clearly illustrates the broad possibilities of an adjustable, nonextensible compression bandage.