The Effect of the Lastosheer Stocking on Venous Insufficiency

Abstract

A controlled study on the effect of the newly introduced Lastosheer stocking on superficial venous insufficiency, assessed by ambulatory strain-gauge plethysmography and clinical evaluation, is presented. Seventeen patients were wearing the stockings for 6 weeks and 13 served as controls. The effect was assessed by ambulatory strain-gauge plethysmography (i.e. the venous return time and expelled volume) and by an improvement in symptoms.

In the stocking group a significant reduction in complaints of fullness, cramps and swelling was reported, whereas no improvement was reported in the control group. Moreover, the venous return time was significantly increased after 6 weeks in the stocking group, even after the stocking was removed from the leg. No significant change in expelled volume was found. In the control group no changes were noted, neither in return time nor in expelled volume.