PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Vowden

Publications and source records attributed to K Vowden.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Intermittent pneumatic compression for treating venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a mechanical method of delivering compression to swollen limbs. This technique has been used to treat venous leg ulcers and limb swelling due to lymphoedema. The effectiveness of IPC, and the appropriate duration and frequency of IPC therapy are unknown as are the differences between various types of IPC. This review analyses the evidence for the effectiveness of IPC as a treatment for venous leg ulcers. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether IPC increases the healing of venous leg ulcers. To determine the effects of IPC on health related quality of life of venous leg ulcer patients. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Wound Group Trials Register was searched for RCTs of intermittent pneumatic compression in February 2001. Journals and relevant conference proceedings were searched by hand. Companies were also contacted for relevant unpublished data or ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled studies either comparing IPC with control (sham IPC or no IPC) or comparisons between IPC treatment regimens, in venous ulcer management were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extraction and assessment of study quality were undertaken by two reviewers independently. MAIN RESULTS: Four randomised controlled trials were identified. One small trial (45 people) found increased ulcer healing with IPC plus compression than with compression alone (relative risk for healing 11.4, 95% Confidence Interval 1.6 to 82). Two small trials with a total of 75 people found no evidence of a benefit for IPC plus compression compared with compression alone. One small trial (16 people) found no difference between IPC (without additional compression) and compression bandages alone. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Further trials are required to determine whether IPC increases the healing of venous leg ulcers.

Air↗
PubMed1998

Anatomy, physiology and venous ulceration.

For many years it was believed that disease within the deep venous system, such as a deep vein thrombosis or post-phlebitic limb, was the main cause of venous ulceration. There is, however, increasing awareness of the impact of both deep and superficial venous valvular incompetence and reflux on the aetiology and healing of venous ulceration. It is now widely accepted that superficial venous disease alone can result in increased venous pressure at the ankle and subsequent skin damage and ulceration.

Bandages↗
PubMed1998

Venous leg ulcers. Part 2: Assessment.

The assessment of a patient with a leg ulcer is a complex process. As well as the ability to perform such tasks as Doppler ultrasound and ABPI measurements, nurses must be aware of factors that will delay healing or increase the likelihood of ulcer recurrence.

Bandages↗
PubMed1997

Vascular assessment in compression therapy.

Successful management of patients with leg ulcers depends on an understanding of the disease process. Accurate assessment is vital in identifying factors which will delay healing and increase the likelihood of ulcer recurrence. With such knowledge nurses can decide when compression therapy is appropriate.

Bandages↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Common problems in wound care: wound and ulcer measurement.

Accurate measurement is an important part of wound assessment. Wounds vary considerably in their nature, shape and site. Many measurement techniques exist. It is important to choose the correct technique for a specific wound and to understand the degree of accuracy obtained from the measurements.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The use of intermittent pneumatic compression in venous ulceration.

Even with the application of four-layer bandaging, the recommended treatment for venous leg ulceration, patients with reduced mobility have delayed ulcer healing. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has an established role in deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis and has been shown to influence fibrinolysis, tissue oxygenation, oedema and venous return. It has also been suggested, but not yet proven, that IPC may improve the healing of venous leg ulcers. An extensive review of the literature has demonstrated that the use of this treatment on patients with reduced mobility has not been previously studied; yet, analysis of difficult-to-heal ulcer patients would indicate that this method of treatment may be appropriate and requires further study.

Activities of Daily Living↗