Vowden K.
The use of intermittent pneumatic compression in venous ulceration.
Br J Nurs 2001 Apr 26-May 9;10(8):491-509

Department of Vascular Surgery, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK.

Even with the application of four-layer bandaging, the recommended treatment for
venous leg ulceration, patients with reduced mobility have delayed ulcer healing.
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has an established role in deep vein
thrombosis prophylaxis and has been shown to influence fibrinolysis, tissue
oxygenation, oedema and venous return. It has also been suggested, but not yet
proven, that IPC may improve the healing of venous leg ulcers. An extensive
review of the literature has demonstrated that the use of this treatment on
patients with reduced mobility has not been previously studied; yet, analysis of
difficult-to-heal ulcer patients would indicate that this method of treatment may
be appropriate and requires further study.