In vitro properties of two compression systems on criteria which may impact the quality of life of patients and the acceptability of healthcare professionals.

Introduction/Objective : Despite the compression therapy representing the cornerstone of venous leg ulcer (VLU) treatment, a lack of patient’s concordance is often observed due to some factors such as thickness of the system, heat sensation, itchiness, etc. induced by compression systems.
In vitro tests on two compression systems, a multicomponent Dual Compression System, DCS (i.e. combination of a short-stretch bandage and a long-stretch bandage* versus a 100% short-stretch two-layer system**, were performed to compare them on some criteria which may impact concordance of patients or the acceptability of the caregivers. The DCS system has extension indicators that lead to accurate and precise therapeutic compression application. This compressure pressure is maintained, due to the unique nature of the DCS system, whether the patient is ambulatory, or non ambulatory.  24/7 continuity of compression is important.

Methods: Thickness of the compression system (mm), breathability (measurement of the air flow passing through the system), stickiness to bed sheets (evaluation of the friction of both systems on sheets) and absorption level of the first bandage of each system (measured by weighing after immersion in a saline solution (NF-EN13726-1) were assessed through 5-10 repeated measurement undertaken on 3 different batches and healthy volunteers.

Results :  Results show that the DCS* system was found to be thinner (3.2 vs 5.1), more breathable than the short-stretch multi-layer** system (709 vs 390 L/m2/s).  The DCS system was also less sticky to the bed sheets compared to the short-stretch multi-layer system. In addition, the first bandage of the multicomponent Dual Compression System scored higher when absorbing fluids (2536 vs 855 g/m2)

Conclusion : The multi-component DCS system has presented higher in-vitro scores on several criteria compared to a pure short-stretch multi-layer bandage. These elements may have a positive impact on quality of life of patients presenting with a VLU, thus leading to better concordance to this compression system.

Trademarked Items (if applicable): *UrgoK2
*Coban2

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