7.3 – Multidisciplinary Care

Patients with open ulcers due to advanced CVD require multidisciplinary care to actively manage the ulcers concurrently with interventional treatment of the underlying venous disease. Ulcer management should include wound management, oedema management and treatment of any suprainfection. There is increasing evidence to suggest interventional management should be done concurrently with wound management. This includes accurate diagnosis of the underlying venous disease and interventional treatment, with occlusion of the venous disease to decrease venous stasis and improve lower limb circulation to promote ulcer healing[14]. Compression therapy is commonly included initially as part of the interventional treatment process and oedema management. It should also be considered for long-term therapy as it supports the remaining competent leg veins and muscle pumps and decreases long-term leg oedema.