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Objective:

A small-scale quality improvement study to determine the clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction of the long-handled monofilament fibre (Debrisoft®) debriding lolly on foot ulcers that were considered to be slow healing in nature.

Methods:

This was a non-comparative, small-scale quality improvement study conducted on ulcers with slough (non-fibrous) at the ulcer base. The longhandled monofilament fibre (Debrisoft®) debriding lolly was used to treat seven patients during ulcer management, following the Trust's guidance for podiatric ulcer treatment.

Results:

Improvement was noted to the majority of ulcers within the second to third week and visible changes were evident, particularly in healing times and slough reduction. Both user and patient satisfaction were high.

Conclusion:

The long-handled monofilament fibre (Debrisoft®) debriding lolly provides an easy-to-use method of debriding foot ulcers. It allows easy access to difficult areas and enables the healing mechanism to commence. Patients verbally reported positive satisfaction when the long-handled monofilament fibre (Debrisoft®) debriding lolly was used.

Background

Evidence supports the use of adjustable compression wraps (ACW) in the intensive phase of complex decongestive therapy (CDT), whereas evidence of its use in the maintenance phase of oedema therapy is sparse.

Methods

Randomised controlled non-inferiority trial in the maintenance phase of oedema therapy (CDT phase II) of symmetric lymphostatic oedema of the lower leg. Oedema therapy was performed with ACW and custom-made flat knit compression stockings (FCS) as a reference therapy in parallel over 3 days in n = 30 subjects. The primary outcome was lower leg volume as measured with perometer. Safety of ACW self-application and the patient perspective were secondary outcomes.

Results

ACW is non-inferior to custom-made FCS in CDT phase II of lymphostatic lower leg oedema. The differences of volume effects lie within the apriori defined equivalence interval of ± 50 ml (p = 0.163; 95 %-CI [ − 38.2; + 6.8]). Self-administration of ACW has shown no relevant side effects. ACW are easier to put on and off, while wearing comfort is comparable.

Conclusions

ACW are an alternative therapy option in the maintenance phase of CDT. Self-application seems to be safe, subject to diligent instruction of patients. Patients with difficulties putting on and off compression stockings could benefit from the use of ACW. Patients with pronounced limb volume may need to wear shoes with bigger sizes when wearing ACW. Further research with a longer observation time is to follow.

The aim of this study was to investigate if compression therapy (CT) can be safely applied in diabetic patients with Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU), even when a moderate arterial impairment (defined by an Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index 0.5-0.8) occurs as in mixed leg ulcers (MLU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

in one of our previous publications we compared the outcomes of two groups of patients with recalcitrant leg ulcers. Seventy-one patients were affected by mixed venous and arterial impairment and 109 by isolated venous disease. Both groups were treated by tailored inelastic CT (with compression pressure 40 mm Hg in patients with MLU and >60 mm Hg in patients with VLU) and ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) of the superficial incompetent veins with the reflux directed to the ulcer bed. In the present sub analysis of the same patients we compared the healing time of 107 non-diabetic patients (NDP), 69 with VLU and 38 with MLU) with the healing time of 73 diabetic patients (DP), 40 with VLU and 33 with MLU.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were lost at follow up. The results refer to 155 patients who completed the treatment protocol. In the VLU group median healing time was 25 weeks for NDP and 28 weeks in DP (p = 0.09). In the MLU group median healing time was 27 weeks for NDP and 29 weeks for DP (p = -0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

when providing leg ulcer treatment by means of tailored compression regimen and foam sclerotherapy for superficial venous refluxes, diabetes has only a minor or no effect on the healing time of recalcitrant VLU or MLU.

Background

Adjustable Compression Wraps (ACW) are used as an alternative to flat-knitted compression stockings (CS) in the maintenance phase of complex decongestive therapy treating of lymphoedema.

Methods

Self-applied ACW and custom-made CS were compared using sub-compression interface pressure measurements in vivo. Measurements were recorded using manometer-based Picopress®-devices in a sample of n = 30 probands with bilateral symmetric lymphostatic lower leg oedema. Legs were randomised to CS side and ACW side. Following standardised instruction and initial pressure measurements for both systems, ACW pressure measurements were repeated after 2 and 4 hours. Static Stiffness Index and pressure gradients between measuring points B1-C were calculated.

Results

ACW showed resting pressures and SSI in therapeutic ranges and significantly higher than CS (p < 0.01; p < 0.001). ACW reached significantly higher working pressures (p < 0.001). Resting pressure sub-ACW did not show significant pressure drops after 2 and 4 hours, without re-adjusting. Average pressure gradients between ACW and CS did not differ significantly.

Discussion

The pressure values reached with ACW underline their therapeutic effects. Pressures under self-applied ACW are relatively stable, even without re-adjusting. Self-application is interpreted as effective. A thorough instruction of patients is essential.

Compression therapy for venous and lymphatic conditions may be delivered via a range of treatment modalities using many different technologies, depending on the patient's condition and needs. Clinical decision-making relies on accurate assessment of the patient, their presenting and underlying clinical condition, skill and training of the applier and the available resources. However, changes in the patient's condition or lifestyle may necessitate re-evaluation of the treatment pathway. Generally, compression bandages and Velcro wraps are used in the intensive acute phase of treatment, with self-management using compression hosiery or wraps being used for long-term maintenance to prevent recurrence. Although guidelines recommend the highest class of compression hosiery for maximum effectiveness, clinical evidence shows practical challenges associated with application and tolerance of higher pressures and stiffness. An audit of a new type of compression garment was conducted, and it showed that incorporating stiffness into circular knitted hosiery helped overcome some of these challenges with improvements in limb size, skin softening and wound size. Additionally, self-management was facilitated by the ease of donning and doffing.

Ziel

110 Jahre nach Heinrich Fischers Veröffentlichung “Eine neue Therapie der Phlebitis” (7) möchten wir Daten aus unseren mobilen Grenzflächen-Druckmessungen unter nicht nachgiebigen Fischer-Verbänden veröffentlichen. Wir zeigen die biologisch physikalischen Gesetzmäßigkeiten auf, die über das Phänomen des biphasischen Druckaufbaus für die deutlich höheren Arbeitsdruckwerte unter nicht nachgiebigen Materialien im Vergleich zu nachgiebigen Kompressionsmedien beim schnellen und ausgedehnten Gehen verantwortlich sind.

Methoden

Wir verwendeten das von der Universitäts-Hautklinik Tübingen in Zusammenarbeit mit dem MIPM 1996 entwickelte Kompressionsdruck-Messsystem MCDI-1 (20) in der Spezialversion PIVI. Es arbeitet mit einem piezoresistiven Sensor. Darüber modellierten wir einen fixierten nicht nachgiebigen Unterschenkelkompressionsverband nach Heinrich Fischer (18). Die Gehstreckenlänge betrug 2 km, die Gehgeschwindigkeit 5,5 km/h. Die auf dem Handydisplay wiedergegebenen Einzelwerte wurden mit einer Digitalkamera gefilmt und danach zur Auswertung in Super-Slow-Motion ausgelesen. Dasselbe Verfahren durchlief ein Kompressionsstrumpf (KKl-2).

Ergebnisse

Bis zu einer Gehstreckendistanz von ca. 300 m liegen Fischer-Verband und Kompressionsstrumpf (KKl-2) mit intermittierenden Druckamplitudenspitzen von 80 mmHg gleichauf. Danach entwickelt sich die Phase 2 des biphasischen Druckanstiegs unter dem nicht elastischen Verband: Die Druckamplitudenspitzen steigen kontinuierlich weiter an, bis nach ca. 800 m ein Plateau mit einem durchschnittlichen Spitzendruck von 200 mmHg erreicht wird. Die Druckspitzendauer beträgt < 1/10 Sekunde.

Schlussfolgerung

3 Kraftquellen sind an der Druckgenese bei der Kompressionstherapie beteiligt: 1. der externe Anpressdruck des Kompressionsmediums, 2. die interne Kraft aus der Filament-Gleit-Schwellung der kontrahierenden Muskulatur, 3. die interne Kraft aus der zeitverzögert einsetzenden belastungsabhängigen vaskulär-metabolischen Pumpeffekt-Schwellung der Muskulatur. Sie ist verantwortlich für das spezifische Phänomen des biphasischen Druckanstiegs unter nicht nachgiebigen Kompressionsmedien. Der Anpressdruck (Anlagedruck) des Kompressionsmediums wirkt bei der nachgiebigen und nicht nachgiebigen Kompressionstherapie gleichermaßen. Die beiden internen Kraftquellen (Filament-Gleit-Schwellung und Pumpeffekt-Schwellung) summieren sich und entfalten nach Gehstrecken größer 800 m biphasisch eine Kraft, die je nach Steifheit des nicht nachgiebigen Materials im Binnenraum unter dem Verband (für < 1/10 sec.) vollständig in Druckkraft übergeht. Unter einer nachgiebigen Kompression verpufft diese Energie zum größten Teil in der Elastizität des textilen Materials. Beim flotten und ausgedehnten Gehen entwickeln sich deshalb (biphasisch) signifikant höhere Druckamplituden als unter elastischer Kompression. Als Resümee behält der alte phlebologische Leitsatz (15) “Therapie mit nicht nachgiebigen Verbänden und einem Laufprogramm, Halten des Ergebnisses mit Kompressionsstrümpfen” weiterhin seine berechtigte Gültigkeit.

Schlüsselwörter

Arbeitsdruck, Ruhedruck, Grenzflächen-Druckmessung, Biphasische Druckentwicklung, Filament-Gleit-Schwellung, Pumpeffekt-Schwellung, nicht nachgiebiger Kompressionsverband, nachgiebige textilelastische Kompression.

BACKGROUND

Management of iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) is challenging. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy (ENPT) is an emerging and effective tool for the treatment of gastrointestinal and anastomotic leaks. We have used ENPT as first-line therapy for IEP since 2017. The aim of this study was to present our results with this strategy in patients with IEP.

METHODS

Nine patients were treated with ENPT for IEP between August 2017 and August 2019. Their treatment characteristics, including duration of therapy, strategy used, and outcomes, were analyzed. Treatment included ENPT with open-pore film drainage (OFD) and open-pore polyurethane foam drainage (OPD).

RESULTS

Early diagnosis (< 24 hours) of IEP occurred in four patients. After a mean (standard deviation) of 19.0 (13.5) days of ENPT, 6.4 (3.4) endoscopies, and 38.1 (40.3) days of hospitalization, endoscopic treatment was effective and successful in all of the patients. Additional video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was done in four patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ENPT is an effective new method for the management of IEP. ENPT with OFD and OPD can be combined with minimally invasive operative methods for sepsis control in IEP.

Background: Acute secondary peritonitis is afflicted with a high morbidity and mortality. Intensive care therapy, antibiotics and surgical procedures are mandatory. Continuous negative pressure therapy (cNPT) seems to be beneficial but it is unclear which patients will benefit most from this procedures.Methods: We performed a prospective observational trial including all patients that needed to undergo an exploratory laparotomy for the suspicion of acute secondary peritonitis and were treated with cNPT in one year.Results: Thirty nine patients fitted the criteria. Median hospitalization length was 40 days. The vacuum therapy treatment was applied for a median of 4 days. The subgroup analysis between patients, who received the cNPT-dressing for one time (Group A) and patients, in whom the cNPT was continued after first relaparotomy (Group B) showed no differences concerning patients' characteristics. The Mannheimer Peritonitis Index (MPI) during the first operation was significantly correlated with the number of dressing changes (Spearman's rho 0.518, p = .002).Conclusions: Fast acting in acute secondary peritonitis for elimination of the source, abdominal lavage, derivation of the exsudat and interdisciplinary treatment is the treatment of choice. The MPI could be beneficial for the decision process of using cNPT.