Use of intermittent pneumatic compression in the treatment of venous ulcers.

Venous ulcers affect up to 1% of the population. This review provides the hemodynamic, hematologic and clinical effects of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in the treatment of venous ulcers. It presents the different IPCs and their application on venous disease. It points out that a large randomized study on IPC versus standard four-layer compression in the treatment of venous ulcers is needed. The cost-effectiveness of IPC in the treatment of venous ulcers should also be assessed.