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Acute effects of intermittent sequential compression in venous hypertension
1Irvine Laboratory, Academic Surgical Unit, St Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, England.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Intermittent sequential compression (ISC) therapy improves microcirculation in patients with chronic venous hypertension. This treatment normalizes skin blood flow and enhances the venoarteriolar response, aiding in the healing of venous ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Dermatology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Chronic venous hypertension can lead to microangiopathy and ulceration.
- Intermittent sequential compression (ISC) has shown promise in accelerating venous ulcer healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of intermittent sequential compression (ISC) on microcirculation in limbs affected by chronic venous hypertension.
- To assess changes in skin blood flow and venoarteriolar response following ISC therapy.
Main Methods:
- Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure resting skin blood flow (RF) and venoarteriolar response (VAR) in patients with chronic venous hypertension and healthy volunteers.
- Two ISC protocols were applied: 30 minutes and 60 minutes, with measurements taken at various time points before, during, and after compression.
Main Results:
- Patients with chronic venous hypertension exhibited elevated resting skin blood flow and a diminished venoarteriolar response compared to healthy individuals.
- Following ISC therapy, a significant reduction in resting skin blood flow towards normal levels was observed.
- ISC treatment also led to a significant increase in the venoarteriolar response, indicating improved microcirculatory function.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent sequential compression (ISC) therapy effectively improves microcirculatory parameters in limbs with chronic venous hypertension.
- The observed normalization of skin blood flow and enhancement of the venoarteriolar response suggest a mechanism by which ISC promotes venous ulcer healing.