Mulder GD, Reis TM.
Venous ulcers: pathophysiology and medical therapy.
Am Fam Physician 1990 Nov;42(5):1323-30

Wound Healing Institute, Aurora, Colorado.

Venous ulcers may occur as a result of lower extremity calf pump failure, with
ensuing edema, trapping of white blood cells and deposition of pericapillary
fibrin. Acute, smaller lesions are easily treated with adequate compression and
occlusive dressings. Larger, more chronic wounds often benefit from some form of
external compression. Occlusive dressings and local wound care are most effective
when used simultaneously with compression. Sequential compression pumps merit
study and may prove to be of therapeutic and prophylactic value. In refractory
cases, long-term use of compression devices may be required to prevent ulcer
recurrence.