Summary
An international consensus document on assessing and managing leg ulceration associated with venous and arteriovenous insufficiency. It discusses compression therapy within a holistic approach to wound care.
- Study type
- Consensus document
Key points
- Initial assessment should be carried out as promptly as possible, within 14 days of presentation.
- Where possible, best practice is to obtain an objective measurement of arterial supply, such as the ankle brachial index.
- Safe use of moderate compression in people with combined arterial and venous ulcers requires separate vascular evaluations.
- In chronic heart failure, compression should start on one leg, with the other leg treated only once swelling has been removed from the first.
- Patient input can help determine the most appropriate compression system.
- The wound and surrounding skin should be monitored at every dressing change.
- Health professionals using compression bandages should be trained in appropriate application.