title: Incorporating novel solutions to lower-limb problems into compression formularies.
abstract: This study investigates the effect of a new short-stretch two-layer compression system in eight patients with common chronic lower-limb conditions in three locations in the UK. Chronic leg ulcers are the most common type of lower-limb ulceration with 70% caused by chronic venous hypertension. An appropriate level of compression is proven to heal chronic venous leg ulcers. The study was only a small sample of patients; however, the underlying conditions included chronic venous eczema, diabetes, sarcoma, cellulitis and mixed-aetiology ulcers. During the study, the UK experienced some of the hottest temperatures in the last 30 years. This had an impact on five patients, who noted an increase in malodour associated with their leg ulcers. CoFlex TLC (Aspen Medical Europe Ltd) foam comfort layer is impregnated with cyclodextrin-a naturally based oligosaccharide known to reduce malodour. The zinc-impregnated foam bandages in this study were viewed very favourably by both patients and staff, particularly those who had chronic venous eczema.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Nurse Specialist for Nutrition and Tissue Viability, Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Lead, 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.affiliation: District Nurse Team Leader, 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McDermott
authors.affiliation: East Kent University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Manager, Aspen Medical Europe.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D058128:Compression Bandages; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing*