Patients > CVI

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

A common cause of chronic wounds is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which affects 2 - 5% of the adult population in the United States.

CVI occurs when valves in veins function inadequately. Instead of keeping blood flowing toward the heart, blood remains in the affected limb and is not cleaned and oxygenated.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

A common cause of chronic wounds is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which affects 2 - 5% of the adult population in the United States.

CVI occurs when valves in veins function inadequately. Instead of keeping blood flowing toward the heart, blood remains in the affected limb and is not cleaned and oxygenated.

CVI can create the following symptoms:

  • Pain and neuropathy
  • Varicose veins
  • Skin breakdown
  • Pitting
  • Venous stasis ulcers
  • Infection
  • Breakdown of the lymphatic channels leading to edema

How does CVI affect the lymphatic system?

In venous insufficiency, reflux of blood back through the veins increases pressure on the venous side of the capillary. This causes fluid to leak out of the veins, creating excess lymph fluid – edema – that needs to be absorbed by the lymphatic system. The edema also generates inflammation, which in turn damages the already overloaded lymph vessels, leading to a type of chronic lymphedema known as “phlebolymphedema.” If left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin breakdown and chronic wounds, known as venous stasis ulcers.

More simply stated, to effectively treat chronic wounds it is necessary to:

  1. Reduce edema
  2. Increase circulation
  3. Control infection

Pneumatic compression pump therapy with Lympha Press® helps to accomplish these three goals and encourages wound healing.

It is one of the most effective methods for treating CVI and its subsequent symptoms.

Venous Procedures + Lympha Press

Swelling due to CVI and lymphatic insufficiency (phlebolymphedema) is effectively treated by Lympha Press’s sequential pressure, which helps promote lymph flow through the dermis.

Before and after venous procedures, lymphatic overload can be treated effectively with Lympha Press.

For a complete list of contraindications, refer to our catalog.