Efficacy of Jobst Compression Garments to Prevent Orthostatic Intolerance for up to Three Days following 14 Days of Bed Rest

Findings from this study have the potential to impact treatment of patients who are hypotensive and/or suffer from episodes of orthostatic intolerance. Commercially-available knee-high and thigh-high compression garments, while easy to don and convenient to wear, have limited effectiveness as previously tested in our laboratory. The commercially-available breast-high garment, while an effective protection against orthostatic intolerance, can be difficult to don, uncomfortable, and/or inconvenient to remove to urinate or defecate. In contrast, the three-piece garment developed for this project provides the same amount of coverage as the commercially-available breast-high garment but provides greater levels of compression than the commercially-available breast-high garment, is an effective countermeasure to orthostatic intolerance, is easy to don and doff, and can be more easily adjusted for comfort. The improvements to the wear and comfort realized in the development of the three-piece garments should enhance compliance with long-term wearing of compression garments, reduce hypotensive episodes, and improve the lifestyle of patients with orthostatic intolerance. A cardiologist who treats these types of patients has complimented the investigator team on the design of the test garment, and the manufacturer of the modified garment has applied for a US patent. More »