Product line

Compression

Category-level compression products for venous disease and oedema management—matched to clinical need, supplied to healthcare institutions.

Scientific approach

What does pressure do in the leg veins?

Compression applies controlled external pressure to the leg. Its purpose is to facilitate venous return to the heart, reduce swelling and manage symptoms caused by chronic venous disease. The 2022 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery recognises this approach as a core component of non-pharmacological treatment for chronic venous disease.

How does it work?

With graduated compression, pressure is highest at the ankle and decreases up the leg. This pattern reduces pooling in the superficial veins and supports the action of the calf muscle pump.

Clinical stages

Findings can progress from spider veins to swelling, skin changes and open ulceration. The clinician selects the pressure level and product form according to the presentation. For a shared clinical language, see the CEAP classification and the summary strip below.

Clinical representation of compression product categories — Representative image — product and pressure selection are based on the clinician’s assessment.

Shared clinical language

Compression by CEAP stage

Matching clinical class (C0–C6) with a product group provides category-level guidance; final selection rests with the clinician. Select the relevant row for detailed information and supply enquiries. See the CEAP article for details of the classification.

C0–C2 Symptoms / mild signs Medical compression stockings C3–C4 Oedema / skin changes Stockings · short-stretch bandage C5–C6 Healed / open ulcer Multi-layer bandage sets

Application methods

Which product groups are used?

Forms commonly cited in guidelines include elastic compression stockings, short-stretch bandages, adjustable compression garments and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices. They are summarised below as product categories.

Medical compression stockings

These are graduated elastic stockings in which pressure decreases upwards from the ankle. They are frequently selected for symptoms such as heaviness, pain, cramp and swelling in the leg, as well as for oedema and skin changes. The European guideline discusses at least approximately 15 mmHg at the ankle for symptoms, and often a range of 20–40 mmHg for oedema and skin induration. Final selection rests with the clinician.

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Multi-layer bandage sets

Multi-layer or short-stretch bandage systems are used for open venous leg ulcers and when higher pressure is required. A 2021 Cochrane review found that compression therapy increases the probability of complete ulcer healing.

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Elastic and short-stretch bandages

Long-stretch elastic bandages and short-stretch bandages have different pressure characteristics. Suitability is determined by the stage of swelling, ulcer status and the practitioner’s application experience.

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Intermittent pneumatic compression device

The device applies pressure by sequentially inflating chambers in a leg cuff. In lymphoedema and persistent oedema, it can be considered as an adjunct to treatment with stockings or bandages. Device selection is based on clinical need.

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From assessment to product

Product categories by clinical need

These mappings provide category-level guidance. Pressure values are drawn from the general framework in the European Society for Vascular Surgery guideline and expert consensus statements. Pressure class and product form are clinical decisions made by the treating physician.

Clinical need