ORIGINAL ARTICLE   Free

International Angiology 2018 August;37(4):322-6

DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.18.03928-7

Copyright © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Evaluation of three different devices to reduce stasis edema in poorly mobile nursing home patients

Jean-Patrick BENIGNI ¹ ✉, Jean-François UHL ¹, Florence BALET ², Pascal FILORI ³, Maxime CHAHIM ¹

¹ French University Group for Medical Compression Paris VI, Paris, France; ² EHPAD Le Grand Pré, Sénas, France; ³ Private Practitioner, Marseille, France

BACKGROUND: Prolonged immobility in the sitting position in the elderly is known to produce venous stasis with leg edema and possible skin changes. Compression stockings are often applied for this clinical problem. There is few experienced nursing staff available to supervise the difficult task of stocking application.
METHODS: The authors have researched other effective and simple devices that may be suitable alternatives. This article reports the results of three different devices to reduce leg edema, as measured by reduction in leg volume: an electro-stimulation device, an adjustable compression Velcro® wrap and a short stretch bandage, each tested over a two-hour period.
RESULTS: In this randomized pilot study including 38 patients, the authors observed no difference in leg volume following electro-stimulation (Veinoplus®). They noted a significant reduction in leg volume following use of the other two devices, more with the adjustable Velcro® wrap compression (Circaid Juxtafit®) than with the short stretch bandage (Rosidal K®). Measurement of the interface pressures created by these two devices and also assessing the stiffness created by applying each device for two hours confirm that pressure is more important than stiffness in the reduction of edema in these particular patients.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study is to be added to the results of previous published studies showing the efficacy in reducing leg edema of Velcro® adjustable compression wrap and its ease of use.

KEY WORDS: Edema - Equipment and supplies - Mobility limitation - Nursing homes