Venous Leg Ulcers: Advanced Therapies and New Technologies

The prevalence of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) differs between 1.5% and 3% in the general population. The challenge in treating VLUs is common recurrence. Moreover, VLUs can be resistant to healing, despite appropriate treatment. In these cases, advanced wound therapies should be considered. The number of new technologies, applied in VLUs treatment, has increased in the last years. These therapies include biophysical interventions such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulations, electromagnetic therapy, or phototherapy. Furthermore, stem cell therapies, biologic skin equivalents, platelet-rich plasma therapy, oxygen therapies, anti-TNF therapy, or negative pressure wound therapy are advanced venous ulcer therapeutic methods that may support the standard of care. Medical devices, such as a muscle pump activator, or intermittent pneumatic compression device, may be especially useful for specific subgroups of patients suffering from VLUs. Some of the above-mentioned technologies require broader evidence of clinical efficacy and are still considered experimental therapies in dermatology.

The Effectiveness of Advanced Practice Nurses with Respect to Complex Chronic Wounds in the Management of Venous Ulcers

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses with respect to complex chronic wounds (APN-CCWs) in the care of patients with venous ulcers. A multicentric, quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted without a control group in the sanitary management areas where the APN-CCW program is being piloted. The intervention consisted of a mass training of clinical nurses from the participating districts on the proper management of injuries and the use of compression therapy. The data were collected through a specifically constructed questionnaire with questions regarding descriptive variables of injuries and their treatment. A total of 643 professionals responded (response rate of 89.1%), attending to a total population of 707,814 inhabitants. An increase in multilayer bandage use by 15.67%, an increase in elastic bandage use by 13.24%, and a significant decrease in the referral of patients to consultation with hospital specialists was achieved, from 21.08% to 12.34%. The number of patients referred to the APNs was 13.25%, which implied a resolution rate of 94.08% of their injuries. In conclusion, the coordination by the APN-CCWs in patients with venous ulcers was effective in improving the continuity of care, in the optimization of resources, and in their care role.