Contribution of textile technology to the development of modern compression bandages

Abstract

Although compression therapy is a key factor in the successful treatment of some circulatory problems in lower limbs, this form of therapy includes some risks if used inappropriately. Based on deliberate application of pressure to a lower limb, using a variety of textile materials, elastic or rigid, in order to produce a desired clinical effects, modern compression therapy presents a good sample of successful penetration of textile technology into the phlebology field of medicine. However, although compression therapy has been in use for over 150 years, there exists a low awareness among practitioners and patients on product usage, application techniques and benefits of appropriate selection of bandages for determined types of leg venous diseases. Also, not all manufacturers of compression textile materials seem to be conscious of end -users’ needs. Simultaneously, impressive developments in the field of elastan fibers and modern knitting and weaving technologies, offer chances for realization of completely new types of compression bandages, capable of making an important contribution to the management of venous disease. In this review, starting from the brief account of pathogenesis and the presentation of compression therapy principle, an account of the contribution of all sectors in the textile technological chain to a modern compression therapy is given.