WISCONSIN VEIN INSTITUTE

1841 Ridge Road Suite 2 • Green Bay, WI • Phone: 920.884.VEIN (8346) • Fax: 920.884.7757

GRADUATED COMPRESSION HOSE

Graduated compression hose are a specially woven hose that provide more pressure at the foot and ankle that at the knee or thigh. This pressure is meant to counteract the pressure of gravity on the weakened superficial veins.

Because they are graduated, these hose allow for a pressure gradient which encourages blood/fluid to flow from the skin and superficial veins to the deeper veins and then back to the heart. The pressure they provide is measured in millimeters of mercury. The two most common hose are 40-30 mmHg (class ll) used for treatment of varicose veins or skin ulcers and 30-20 mmHg (class l) used for patients with spider veins.

There are many different types of graduated compression hose. Opened or closed toe, knee or thigh high, panty hose and even velcro or zippered. To maximize their effectiveness graduated compression hose should be put on in the morning while sitting or lying down and worn throughout the day.

Most insurance companies will require that you wear graduated compression hose for a period of time from six weeks to six months (depending on your insurance company) as part of an overall conservative treatment plan prior to approving definitive laser treatment. We will ask you to wear graduated compression hose for a short period of time after treatment (from one to two weeks).

Though insurance companies may require use of compression hose, it has been our experience that most will not cover the cost to you. We are happy to provide you with a prescription just in case. You may purchase your compression hose from us but that is not a requirement for treatment by us.