[Dynamic in vivo measurements of local pressure of compression stockings with a microprobe]

Conservative treatment of chronic venous incompetence is based on compression therapy, Carried out correctly, compression therapy improves the venous return from the legs, and also relieves cutaneous congestion. These positive haemodynamic effects are, however, only obtained when the pressure exerted by the compression stocking remains within the desired therapeutic range, not only at rest, i.e. while the patient is seated or reclining, but also during exertion while the patient is standing or walking, furthermore, the pressure exerted must decrease continuously from the tips of the toes to the trunk. Using the dynamic pressure monitoring system described here, the pressure exerted by the compression stocking can be measured continuously between the stocking and the skin at any desired site. The main component of the new microprocessor-based system is a microtip probe for measuring piezoresistance. The probe has an integrated signal filter and is connected to peripheral equipment which records the measured data. The technical design of the system makes it possible accurately to record dynamic measurements of the pressure exerted by compression materials in vivo. This measuring system represents a major step forward in understanding the dynamics of compression during locomotion in vivo, and towards optimizing modern compression therapy.