[Innovations in medical compression therapy]

For the treatment of phlebological and lymphological diseases as well as constitutional edema diseases, a discussion of innovative concepts of medical compression therapy is essential. It is recommended that medical compression stockings should always be prescribed based on symptoms and with the lowest effective interface pressure to optimize the tolerability of compression therapy. Likewise, medical compression stockings with an integrated care formula, but also the application of additional skincare can improve the quality of life and compliance in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Optimization of ulcer therapy can be achieved by using two-component compression stocking systems. These consist of an understocking and a firm outer compression stocking, which improve the venous and capillary hemodynamics with good wearing comfort and lead to the healing of venous ulcerations. Multicomponent compression bandages and short stretch bandages are proven in the decongestion phase of edema. Multicomponent bandages ensure a sustained interface pressure for at least 5 days and are ideal for outpatient treatment with less frequent dressing changes. For compression therapy in patients with arterial-venous leg ulcers (ABI [ankle brachial index] >0.5), specially developed "lite" versions of the multicomponent dressings can be used.