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VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
The Growing Awareness
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a common condition. The
symptoms most frequently experienced with CVI are pain and heaviness.
The pain is described as an aching throughout the leg. The condition
is usually caused by a remote, deep thrombophlebitis that damages
the valves in the veins. This results in venous hypertension,
ultimately causing edema and other complications. The signs of
chronic venous disease may be grouped into three stages. These
classifications/stages dictate the degree and intensity of care.
Each stage is characterized by:
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STAGE 1 - Edema and pigmentation
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STAGE 2 - Edema, skin pigmentation and
dermatitis
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STAGE 3 - Varicosities, edema, skin pigmentation,
dermatitis and ulceration -
Treatment
Venous Insufficiency is often accompanied by edema and decreased
oxygen and nutrient composites in the tissue. Since lymph drainage
can be augmented by external pressure, proximal venous flow also
benefits from external compression, the use of pneumatic compression
devices to treat venous insufficiency has proven highly successful.
Pumping promotes cutaneous circulation which increase the oxygen
content of tissues.
Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Stage 1:
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Gradient elastic stockings
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Skin care
Stage 2:
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Gradient elastic stockings
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Skin Care
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Topical steroids for dermatitis
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Surgical consultation
Stage 3:
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Gradient elastic stockings
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Ulcer care (a) Antiseptic solution (b) Bio-occlusive
dressings
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Pneumatic, gradient compression pump therapy
Venous
Ulcer Protocol
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