Efficacy of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Blood Flow in Patient with Varicose Veins

Background and Objective: Although compression therapy is applied extensively in the treatment of varicose veins, we still don't have enough evidence on its effectiveness. Varicose veins with or without active venous ulceration can lead to serious complications resulting in more governmental financial loads. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on blood flow in patients with varicose veins, the mean flow volume and pulsality index in both femoral and popliteal veins, pain level, and ankle girth measurement. Methodology: forty women with varicose veins were selected and randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A, which included 20 patients who were treated with pneumatic compression therapy five times per week for 8 weeks and Group (B), which included 20 patients who were instructed to continue receiving their medical treatment based on their medical prescription. Selected parameters related to Venous blood flow were assessed using Doppler ultra-sound device, in addition to evaluating pain by a visual analogue scale and ankle girth measurements as edema assessment. Results: After 8 weeks of treatment with intermittent pneumatic compression, all selected parameters showed significant improvements in subjects enrolled in group A in comparison to subjects enrolled in group B. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy with the applied parameters can be considered as valuable method for increasing venous blood flow, as well as decreasing ankle girth measurement and pain in patient with varicose veins.