Compression Therapy After Invasive Treatment of Superficial Veins of the Lower Extremities

Publication Date: January 1, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Guidelines

Compression after thermal ablation or stripping of the saphenous veins. When possible, we suggest compression (elastic stockings or wraps) should be used after surgical or thermal procedures to eliminate varicose veins. (2-C)
685
Dose of compression after thermal ablation or stripping of the varicose veins. If compression dressings are to be used postprocedurally in patients undergoing ablation or surgical procedures on the saphenous veins, those providing pressures >20mmHg together with eccentric pads placed directly over the vein ablated or operated on provide the greatest reduction in postoperative pain. (2-B)
685
Duration of compression therapy after thermal ablation or stripping of the saphenous veins. In the absence of convincing evidence, we recommend best clinical judgment to determine the duration of compression therapy after treatment. ()

[BEST PRACTICE]

685

Compression therapy after sclerotherapy

We suggest compression therapy immediately after treatment of superficial veins with sclerotherapy to improve outcomes of sclerotherapy. (2-C)
685

Duration of compression therapy after sclerotherapy

In the absence of convincing evidence, we recommend best clinical judgment to determine the duration of compression therapy after sclerotherapy. ()

[BEST PRACTICE]

685

Compression after superficial vein treatment in patients with a venous leg ulcer

In a patient with a venous leg ulcer, we recommend compression therapy over no compression therapy to increase venous leg ulcer healing rate and to decrease the risk of ulcer recurrence. (1-B)
685

Compression after superficial vein treatment in patients with a mixed arterial and venous leg ulcer.

In a patient with a venous leg ulcer and underlying arterial disease, we suggest limiting the use of compression to patients with ankle-brachial index exceeding 0.5 or if absolute ankle pressure is >60 mm Hg. (2-C)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Compression Therapy After Invasive Treatment of Superficial Veins of the Lower Extremities

Authoring Organizations

American Venous Forum

Society for Vascular Medicine

Society for Vascular Surgery

Publication Month/Year

January 1, 2019

Last Updated Month/Year

June 12, 2023

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Hospital, Long term care, Operating and recovery room

Intended Users

Medical assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D014648 - Varicose Veins, D014680 - Veins

Keywords

compression therapy, superficial veins, sclerotherapy

Source Citation

Lurie, F., Lal, B. K., Antignani, P. L., Blebea, J., Bush, R., Caprini, J., … Wakefield, T. (2019). Compression therapy after invasive treatment of superficial veins of the lower extremities: Clinical practice guidelines of the American Venous Forum, Society for Vascular Surgery, American College of Phlebology, Society for Vascular Medicine, and International Union of Phlebology. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 7(1), 17–28. doi:10.1016/j.jvsv.2018.10.002