Venous ulceration Resources

Chronic oedema of the lower limb arises when the balance between capillary filtration, venous return, and lymphatic drainage is disrupted. Venous hypertension, most often resulting from venous reflux or obstruction, increases capillary pressure and fluid extravasation into the interstitial space (Eberhardt and Raffetto, 2014). Sustained oedema impairs oxygen and nutrient diffusion, promotes inflammation, and contributes to skin changes such as lipodermatosclerosis, hyperpigmentation, and ultimately ulceration (Moffatt et al, 2017). The development of venous leg ulcers is therefore closely linked to the chronic cycle of venous hypertension, oedema, and tissue breakdown, with healing often delayed by persistent swelling and recurrent episodes of cellulitis (Guest et al, 2020).

The focus of compression bandaging has been directed towards ease of application, comfort, tolerability and effectiveness. This article reports on a two-centre non-comparative evaluation of the new two component short-stretch bandage kit (Actico®2C) in a case series with the aim of establishing how comfortable and effective the bandage is in a real life situation.

Aaron Knowles Tissue Viability Podiatrist, Eastbourne Wound Healing Centre
Dr Hildegard Charles Visiting Lecturer, Buckingham University
Agnes Collarte Tissue Viability Nurse, Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Anna Coulborn Lymphoedema Specialist and Tissue Viability Nurse, Wound Healing Centre, Eastbourne
Sylvie Hampton Tissue Viability Consultant, Wound Healing Centre, Eastbourne

Article accepted for publication: March 2013

Lynfa Edwards discusses compression bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Andy Kerr & Sylvie Hampton discuss the use of the Clini Duo40 venous ulcer compression system in treatment and prevention of venous ulceration.

Andy Kerr RN, Dip HE is a Tissue Viability Consultant.

Sylvie Hampton MA, BSc (Hons), DpSN, RGN is a Tissue Viability Consultant. Wound Healing Centre, Eastbourne.