Cleanse, Dress, and Compress: An Algorithmic Approach to the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers

Background: Venous ulceration is the most common type of leg ulceration and a significant clinical problem, affecting approximately 1% of the population and 3% of people over 80 years of age in westernized countries.1 Moreover, the global prevalence of VLUs is predicted to escalate dramatically, as people are living longer, often with multiple comorbidities.2 It is widely accepted that best evidence-based practice for the management of VLU is compression therapy. In order to combat the impact of VLUs on patient’s lives and the economy, a standardized approach to management has been proposed. This includes early assessment and diagnosis, adequate wound bed preparation, edema control and the use of specialized topical dressings.

Purpose: This poster will present a 4 patient case series utilizing a standardized algorithm approach to improve healing rates in patients with VLUs. Treatment Algorithm included: early assessment and diagnosis, wound bed preparation using hypochlorous acid soaks for 10 minute, the use of a specialized superabsorbent dressing and the application of a multilayer venous compression wrap.

Summary: Chronic wound management can be complex due to various comorbidities patient’s may have impaired wound healing. For this reason, it is recommended a systematic approach to wound care be developed. The patients in this case series received wound care based upon this standardized algorithm approach beginning with proper diagnosis, adequate wound bed preparation, the use of advanced dressings and proper compression. All cases presented showed improved healing rates and increased patient/provider satisfaction.