Pressure-Measuring Devices for Compression Therapy in Venous Leg Ulcers: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To investigate the evolution of pressure-measuring devices used in compression treatment for venous leg ulcers and assess the most practical and effective devices to determine optimal pressure in compression therapy. DATA SOURCES Relevant information was retrieved from databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online, and ScienceDirect without publication date restrictions. The keywords included venous leg ulcer, compression therapy, pressure measuring device, pressure sensor, and wireless system. STUDY SELECTION Studies included in the review had to be published in English and discuss or compare pressure-measuring devices/sensors for compression therapy, the development of alternative sensors, and the applications of wireless technologies. Veterinary studies, conference proceedings, and unpublished articles were excluded. Applicable studies and articles were critically evaluated and synthesized. DATA EXTRACTION After abstract review, 39 studies were identified. During full-text review, study details were collected using a data extraction form and organized into tables. Device attributes, accuracy, price, and limitations were categorized and analyzed. DATA SYNTHESIS Studies disagree on the effectiveness and user-friendliness of existing pressure-measuring devices. These devices often impact user comfort and convenience, which are crucial factors in the adoption and use of wearable devices. Potential solutions for pressure-measuring devices with promising technologies were proposed: four feasible alternative sensors are described that could improve comfort and facilitate prolonged use under bandages. Advanced communication technologies may provide more convenience for users and practitioners. CONCLUSIONS Conventional pressure-measuring devices used in compression therapy are not designed for the user’s comfort and convenience. The use of flexible and stretchy pressure sensors (e-skin) provides good biocompatibility, conformability, and comfort and when integrated with near-field communication technology could address the drawbacks of current pressure-measuring devices.

Consistent application of compression: An under‐considered variable in the prevention of venous leg ulcers

“…Various pressure monitoring methods have been attempted, but they have primarily been built specifically for a single patient and cannot be reused for additional patients, making them costly. Additionally, they are cumbersome, meant to be worn with the compression device but are not designed for patient comfort 12–15 . For example, the PicoPress transducer (Microlab, Padua, Italy) is highly accurate and precise.…”

“…Additionally, they are cumbersome, meant to be worn with the compression device but are not designed for patient comfort. [12][13][14][15] For example, the PicoPress transducer (Microlab, Padua, Italy) is highly accurate and precise. Still, it cannot be removed without removing the bandage, and the device's firm tube may contribute additional, unwanted pressure to the leg.…”

Optimising application of a two-layer compression bandage using continuous, multi-point sub-bandage pressure monitoring in healthy volunteers

“…More recently, alternative pressure measurement systems have been described that consist of flexible materials using piezoelectric or optical sensor mechanisms 10 . The ability to capture sub-bandage pressure at multiple points on a limb longitudinally after the application of compression allows evaluation of bandage performance and potentially can predict the efficacy of each treatment.…”