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Semin intervent Radiol 2021; 38(02): 194-201
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1727161
Review Article

Wound Care for Venous Ulceration

Sarah E. Schroeppel DeBacker
1   Harvard Medical School, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Julie C. Bulman
1   Harvard Medical School, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Jeffrey L. Weinstein
1   Harvard Medical School, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) affect as many as 20% of patients with advanced chronic venous insufficiency and are associated with significant morbidity and health care costs. VLUs are the most common cause of leg ulcers; however, other etiologies of lower extremity ulcerations should be investigated, most notably arterial insufficiency, to ensure appropriate therapy. Careful clinical examination, standardized documentation, and ultrasound evaluation are needed for diagnosis and treatment success. Reduction of edema and venous hypertension through compression therapy, local wound care, and treatment of venous reflux or obstruction is the foundation of therapy. As key providers in venous disease, interventional radiologists should be aware of current standardized disease classification and scoring systems as well as treatment and wound care guidelines for venous ulcers.

Keywords

venous leg ulcer - venous hypertension - wound care - interventional radiology


Publication History

Article published online:
03 June 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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