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Therapeutic compression materials and wound dressings for chronic venous insufficiency: A comprehensive review
Author(s) -
Wu Xinbo,
Liu Rong,
Lao Terence T
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part b: applied biomaterials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 1552-4981
pISSN - 1552-4973
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.b.34443
Subject(s) - medicine , chronic venous insufficiency , intensive care medicine , etiology , compression therapy , microtrauma , physical therapy , surgery , pathology
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder worldwide. Related pathophysiological mechanisms reportedly involve venous pooling and reduced venous return, leading to heaviness, aching, itchiness, tiredness, varicosities, pigmentation, and even lower limb ulceration. Approaches adopted to manage CVI at various stages of clinical‐etiology‐anatomy‐pathophysiology include compression therapy, pharmacological treatment, ultrasound treatment, surgery, electrical or wireless microcurrent stimulation, and pulsed electromagnetic treatment. Among these, polymer‐based therapeutic compression materials and wound dressings play increasingly key roles in treating all stages of CVI because of their unique physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological functions. However, the characteristics, working mechanisms, and effectiveness of these CVI treatment materials are not comprehensively understood. The present systematic review examines the structures, properties, types, and applications of various polymer‐based compression materials and wound dressings used in prophylaxis and treatment of CVI. Existing problems, limitations, and future trends of CVI treatment materials are also discussed. This review could contribute to the design and application of new functional polymer materials and dressings to enhance the efficiency of CVI treatments, thereby facilitating patients' self‐care ability and long‐term health improvement.