title: Venous leg ulcers: Impact and dysfunction of the venous system.
abstract: Management of chronic venous leg ulcers (VLU) can be frustrating for both patient and practitioner. It is a significant source of disability and cost of care. Before the practitioner enters the management phase of VLU care, it is helpful to understand the impact of VLUs. Additionally, it is essential to understand the structure and function of the venous system and manifestations indicative of a dysfunction of the system. This article focuses on the epidemiology, structure, and function of the venous system as well as clinical manifestations and prevention.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX. Electronic address: gordonp@uthscsa.edu.
authors.forename: Phyllis
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.affiliation: Marshall University School of Nursing, Huntington, WV.
authors.forename: Jeanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Widener
authors.affiliation: Optum Clinical Services, Inc., Elkridge, MD; Southern Surgical Group, West Columbia, SC.
authors.forename: Melody
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heffline
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*