Welcome Certified Fitters Introductory Course

Welcome
Certified Fitters Introductory Course
SIGVARIS—The Company
150th Anniversary 2014
• Ganzoni Manufacturing established 1864
• 1950’s collaboration with Dr. Karl Sigg results in our
first two-way stretch stocking: SIGVARIS 503
• The largest manufacturer of medical ready-to-wear
compression stockings in the world
• Commitment to investment in research
and development
• Meets requirements of ISO 13485 and
FDA-class II
All shapes and sizes…
SIGVARIS offers flexible sizing options
ensuring maximum comfort and increase
compliance for all shapes and sizes
Venous Flow Return
The calf muscle and foot pumping action is key in
promoting venous blood return to the heart
– Relaxation
• Pressure subsides
valves close
• Keeps blood moving in
right direction
– Contraction
• Pressure on vein forces
valves open
The Significance of Veins
100
90
80
Most of
the
blood
70
60
40% in the legs!!!
50
40
30
The rest of the blood
20
10
0
Veins
Lungs
Heart
Arteries
Capillaries
60-70%
10-12%
8-11%
10-12%
4-5%
Source: Hole’s Human Anatomy and Physiology, 7th Edition, 1996
Venous Pressure at the Ankle
Normal vs. Incompetent
Difference
30-40 mmHg
Ambulatory
Venous
Hypertension
What is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is the application of
controlled graduated external pressure to
the limb to reduce and maintain the
venous pressure within the limb.
Compression Therapy
20 - 40%
To be effective, it is very
important that compression
be graduated…
Strongest at the ankle and
decreasing in the proximal
direction
50 - 80%
100%
SIGVARIS Doff N’ Donner
What should be in your fitter room/area?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Chair(s): Wide, stable, with arms—one for guest
Stool (for patient leg or for you to sit on)
Tape (reusable and disposable)
Do you have a procedure for sanitizing?
• Including tapes, room, chair, floor area, etc.
Gloves (disposable and donning)
Sizing charts
Swatches
Patient record card
Should the patient not be dressed appropriately, something for
them to wear (shorts, gown, etc.)
Mirror (helpful, but not required)
Brochures/Posters and other educational material
Measuring for Calf Length Styles
Measuring for Thigh and Pantyhose Styles
When fitting a “borderline” patient
1. Why are you in compression?
Edema is different than post-procedure, which is different from DVT,
which is different from wound, etc., etc., etc.
2. What level of compression?
Can they comply?
Should I layer?
Should I ask physician to Rx lower mmHg?
3. Have you ever worn compression before?
Good experience/Bad experience
4. Likelihood of compliance?
Body habitus, hand strength, live alone, need accessory…
5. Which fabric is being considered?
Stretch or no stretch
TOOLS to help you
LIT-DOCGUIDE
Guide to Compression Therapy for
Healthcare Professionals
LIT-FIT
Certified Fitter’s Guide to
SIGVARIS Compression
LIT-DONDVD
Hints, Tips and Accessories
for ease of donning graduated
compression stockings
Welcome
Certified Fitters Introductory Course