Smith PC, Sarin S, Hasty J, Scurr JH.
Sequential gradient pneumatic compression enhances venous ulcer healing: a
randomized trial.
Surgery 1990 Nov;108(5):871-5     weiter zur Übersetzten Vollversion

Department of Surgery, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine,
London, England.

The treatment of venous ulcers has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The
application of properly applied graduated compression bandages, the use of
graduated compression stockings, and surgery have been shown to achieve healing.
However, some ulcers persist despite appropriate management. A randomized study
was undertaken to compare two regimens of treatment for such patients. Both
regimens included ulcer debridement, cleaning, nonadherent dressing, and
graduated compression stockings. In one regimen, sequential gradient intermittent
pneumatic compression was applied for 4 hours each day. Only one of 24 patients
in the control group had complete healing of all ulcers compared with 10 of 21
patients healed in the intermittent pneumatic compression group. The median rate
of ulcer healing in the control group was 2.1% area per week compared to 19.8%
area per week in the intermittent pneumatic compression group. The results
indicate that sequential gradient intermittent pneumatic compression is
beneficial in the treatment of venous ulcers.