The haemodynamic efficacy of six different compression stockings from compression class 2 in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency

Objective: To describe the efficacy of six different compression stockings from compression class 2 on venous haemodynamics in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Design: An open, randomised, prospective study. Setting: University Department of Dermatology, Tubingen, Germany. Patients: Twenty-two patients (11 women, 11 men; mean age 55.1 years, SD 10.3 years) suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) at clinical stages C-1-(4)E(p)A(S), A(14), A(p), P-R. Interventions: The acute effect of six different compression stockings from compression class 2 (CEN) on venous haemodynamics were measured using dynamic mercury strain gauge plethysmography. At the same time as venous function, the pressure exerted by the compression hosiery was determined under resting conditions and during exercise. Main outcome measures: Resting pressure exerted in the supine position was equivalent in all compression hosiery to the data defined in textile technology for compression class 2 (25-35 mmHg at the ankle). Compression hosiery produced a statistically significant improvement in venous refilling time t0. The differing improvement in venous function could be explained by the quotient for maximum active pressure/resting pressure on standing (r = 0.98, p<0.01). Conclusion: Compression stockings from the same compression class possess differing acute effects on venous haemodynamics. The efficacy of the various compression devices derives to an exceptional degree from the elasticity of the material, and can be characterised in vivo by the ratio between maximum pressure exerted during exercise and the resting pressure on standing.