The Use of a Peripheral Calibrated Gradient Compression Pump for the Treatment of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers

Introduction: Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU) can be a difficult to manage wound population as the underlying vascular compromise can lead to continued peripheral edema and excessive drainage, which preclude ulcer healing. Compression therapy has been a mainstay of VLU therapy, but generally is applied in dressing form. We looked at the use of a calibrated gradient compression pump (CGCP) and its effects of healing chronic wounds.

Methods: Three patients with VLU that were over 2 months in age were dressed in triple layer compression and told to use a CGCP at home twice a day at a minimum pressure of 40mmHg for 75 minutes. Wound size, characteristics, pain level, and leg circumference were measured weekly for 4 weeks to see the effects of adjunctive CGCP at home.

Results: Compliance with CGCP therapy varied with each patient initially , but  all were able to complete 75 minutes of therapy twice a day with at least 40mmHg. At the end of four weeks, patients saw a reduction in leg circumference compared to the start of the study. Most patients saw a significant decrease in wound size with one patient have complete wound healing. Most patients also noted decrease in exudate, odor, and pain.

Conclusion: Active sequential compression with CGCP adds a new dynamic method of compression that  can be a potentially powerful adjunct in treating difficult to heal VLUs.