(CR-012) Behavior of a Multicomponent Bandage in a Hot Environment
results in Hospital Staff Volunteers with a Pitting Edema

Introduction:

There is a very scarce literature about the consequences of using multicomponent bandages in a very hot environment. The materials used in these multi-components are theoretically designed to withstand higher temperatures without losing their compression properties.  

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of the Dual Compression System (DCS) bandage that includes both a short and a long stretch bandage* a compression therapy system, after 4 hours of wear and a treadmill test on leg volume, interface pressures, static stiffness index, comfort and slippage in a hot environment.

Methods:

Twenty volunteers presenting pitting oedema, from hospital staff working standing in the Diabetic Foot Center, Cairo, participated in this study. At baseline, the leg volume was assessed using a handheld volume measuring device** and the bandage was applied with an interface pressure of 45 ± 3mmHg.

Results:

After only 4 hours of wearing the compression system, a significant reduction of the mean volume of 81 ml (2.9% of the total leg volume) was documented by the investigators.

The Static Stiffness Index (SSI) calculated at baseline after bandage application (13+/-4.8 mmHg) increased significantly at T+ 4h (15.9 +/- 4.9 mmHg) in addition to a decrease in resting pressure to 30 mmHg, without any slippage. Despite this hot environment, comfort at the end of the study remained very high.

Discussion:

This clinical trial shows that the DCS bandage helps in reducing edema in a very hot environment after four hours of wearing. SSI, which increased over the course of the trial, is an essential factor in reinforcing venous hemodynamics of the calf muscle pump.