[New aspects of compression therapy]

In this review article the mechanisms of action of compression therapy are summarized and a survey of materials is presented together with some practical advice how and when these different devices should be applied. Some new experimental findings regarding the optimal dosage (= compression pressure) concerning an improvement of venous hemodynamics and a reduction of oedema are discussed. It is shown, that stiff, non-yielding material applied with adequate pressure provides hemodynamically superior effects compared to elastic material and that relatively low pressures reduce oedema. Compression over the calf is more important to increase the calf pump function compared to graduated compression. In patients with mixed, arterial-venous ulcers and an ABPI over 0.6 inelastic bandages not exceeding a sub-bandage pressure of 40 mmHg may increase the arterial flow and improve venous pumping function.