A Growing Awareness
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition. The symptoms most frequently experienced with CVI are pain and heaviness. The pain is described as an aching throughout the leg. The condition is usually caused by a remote, deep thrombophlebitis that damages the valves in the veins. This results in venous hypertension, ultimately causing edema and other complications. The signs of chronic venous disease may be grouped into three stages. These classifications/stages dictate the degree and intensity of care. Each stage is characterized by:
STAGE 1 - Edema and pigmentation
STAGE 2 - Edema, skin pigmentation, and dermatitis
STAGE 3 - Varcosities, edema, skin pigmentation, dermatitis, and ulceration
Treatment
Venous Insuffienciency is often accompanied by edema and decreased oxygen and nutrient composites in tissue. Since lymph drainage can be augmented by external pressure, proximal venous flow also benefits from external compression, the use of pneumatic compression devices to treat venous insufficiency has proven highly successful. Pumping promotes cutaneous circulation which increases the oxygen content of tissues.
Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
STAGE 1:
- Gradient elastic stockings
- Skin care
STAGE 2:
- Gradient elastic stockings
- Skin care
- Topical steroids for dermatitis
- Surgical consultation
STAGE 3:
- Gradient elastic stockings
- Ulcer care (a)Antiseptic solution (b)Bio-occlusive dressings
- Pneumatic, gradient compression pump therapy
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