Utilization of Compreflex Wraps in Patients With Chronic Venous Insuffciency

In chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the venous system of the legs is ineffective in performing venous return, and there is venous reflux due to valve failure, physical inactivity and cardiovascular problems, leading to an increase in the pressure in the veins and venous hypertension. Chronic venous insufficiency includes a range of signs and symptoms, including varicose veins, varicose veins, oedema, skin lesions and ulcers.

Venous ulcers are wounds that occur due to improper functioning of venous valves secondary to severe chronic venous insufficiency. They are mainly located in the internal lateral zone of the distal third of the leg. Ulcers of venous aetiology make up 80% of all ulcers. They have an incidence of between 15 to 30 per 100'000 personyears.

The median healing time for chronic venous ulcers approximates 180 days. These ulcers may produce a foul-smelling discharge, can become infected and cause pain, which, in combination with slow healing and frequent relapses, affects the quality of life of affected patients.

The treatment of chronic venous ulcers requires a comprehensive approach for the patient, addressing the etiological factors that determine their evolution, such as venous insufficiency, diet, physical inactivity and postural measures. Local treatment has two components: local ulcer healing and control of venous insufficiency by means of compression therapy.

There is evidence that compression therapy promotes the healing process of venous ulcers. However, there is a large number of compression garments available and it is unclear which method of compression is the most effective. Traditionally, multilayered compression banding was the first line management for uncomplicated venous ulcers. This serves to increase venous return and reduce venous hypertension, as well as reduce oedema and improve lymphatic circulation. Despite its importance and widespread use, it has been reported that ca. 50% of patients do not comply with their multilevel bandaging. Reasons for non-compliance are skin irritation, bandage slippage, pain, malodor, inability to maintain hygiene, and discomfort and inability to wear normal footwear. Over recent years, there has been development of several Velcro-based wrap devices for use as alternative compression bandaging for venous ulcer management, using either interlacing or overlapping technique of wrapping. Systematic reviews have been undertaken for Velcro wrap devices, including their use in chronic edema, lipedema, and lymphedema, as well as venous ulceration. These systematic reviews were able to show a reduction in limb volume and more consistent sub-bandage pressure in Velcro wrap devices compared with bandaging. In addition, one of the major advantages that was reported was the relative ease to remove and reapply these devices, which can, therefore, encourage self-care, improve independence and, potentially, quality of life.

The Compreflex standard calf and foot (with basic liner) from Sigvaris (St. Gallen, Switzerland) is an easy to use interlacing Velcro wrap device with adjustable compression levels.This Compreflex wrap is intended for patients with mild to moderate lymphedema and venous insufficiency. More than 200'000 products have been sold worldwide since 2016. The product is being used in many European countries (including United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherland), United States of America, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with no product-related safety issues reported. Although the product is not substantially different from other established products that are already available on the market, there are no clinical data published on Compreflex.

The present study was therefore designed to confirm the performance of the Compreflex standard calf and foot (with basic liner).