Unmet Need
More than 23% of all adults are thought to be affected by varicose veins. These veins are enlarged and swollen as a result of faulty valves that allow blood to flow in the wrong direction. Currently, varicose veins are managed through the application of a compression garment such as a stocking. The garments help prevent veins from being engorged by applying external compression to distended veins. The compression stockings are created with different compression levels and lengths to suit the needs of different patients. However, the most common complaint for compression stockings is that they are uncomfortable and do not fit well, even with these extra measures taken. This occurs because varicose veins occur in certain areas in the legs, but the compression is exerted uniformly. Thus, there is a need for a way to provide targeted compression to more effectively support and treat varicose veins.
Technology Overview
The inventors have created a lighter weight compression stocking with one or more strategically placed pockets or fenestrations through which compression pads can be introduced. The pads will be placed under the stocking to enhance pressure at only specific locations. These locations will be dependent upon each patient and will target areas such as those overlying bothersome varicose veins prior to intervention, or sites of sclerotherapy or phlebectomy. Through these targeted pads, the unaffected areas will have less compression, decreasing the amount of discomfort that the patients feel. The insert pads can be created from a variety of hypoallergenic materials and will be customizable. The inventors will try and test two variations. One is the pocket variation, where the pads can be custom inserts into a pocket. The other is a fenestration variation with no pockets, but instead slits in the fabric which will allow the insertion of pads.
Stage of Development
The invention is currently in the prototyping phase.
