Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

Design, Manufacture, Mechanical Testing and Clinical/Mri Assessment of the Medical Elastic Compression Stockings, Base on Taiwanese's Leg Size

Abstract

Shoei-Loong Lin, Jian-Min Lin, Chia-Lung Chu, Yu-Shun Wu, Ying-Jui Chao, Wing-Pong Chan, Cheuk-Sing Choy and Ting-Kai Leung

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) in the lower limb is commonly associated with varicose veins. In Asian countries, demand has increased for Medical Elastic Compression Stockings (MECS) as conservative treatment for varicose veins and CVI; however, their efficacy requires further investigation. The legs of 726 Taiwanese participants were measured, and MECS were designed and manufactured accordingly. Manufacturing processes included “fixation of the elastic fiber,” “design of the fabric,” “application of techniques for high-pressure stockings,” and “application of techniques for configuration.” Further techniques used for the production of functional MECS included “elastic yarn composite techniques,” “incremental pressure fabric weaving,” and “pressure shaping of fabrics.” Parameters for the mechanical testing of MECS included size measurement, extensibility, practical elongation, compression, and residual pressure on corresponding points of the leg. Clinical assessments and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analyses using noncontract-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Venous (MRV) techniques were also performed on 100 participants with varicose veins pre-and post-MECS use. The average circumferences and lengths of specific points of the lower legs of the 726 participants were smaller than U.S. measurements by approximately 12% to 19%. This suggested that Taiwanese - and possibly Asian - MECS should not be manufactured according to Western sizes. Subjective clinical questionnaire results included relief of symptoms of heaviness of the legs, spasticity in the evenings, and convulsion during sleep. According to MRV analyses, deep venous blood flow increased significantly (relief of high pressure), and available hemoglobin in the deep vein increased (reduced tissue hypoxia) post-MECS use. Our findings provide important reference material for the establishment of Taiwanese and Asian standards for MECS. Results from clinical and MRV analyses confirmed the efficacy of prolonged use of MECS, with results indicating that 4 h/d and 112 h of use is sufficient to improve deep venous insufficiency.