in this study, MPFF did not change the symptoms of CVD, except night cramps. A secondary finding was reduced reflux times in patients with oedema, although no ultrasonographic or foot-volumetric parameters changed significantly for the whole group. The role of MPFF in treatment of patients with CVD needs to be further analysed in a large population.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of compression hosiery during standing work. Design: An open study, comparing symptoms and plethysmographic findings before and after treatment. Setting: University hospital, vascular surgery. Subjects: Forty-eight female volunteers with a standing profession. Methods: Visual analogue scale to evaluate symptoms and foot volumetry to study venous function before and after 4 weeks use of compression hosiery (20–30 mmHg). Result: All scores for symptoms were significantly reduced after treatment. Only 21% of the study subjects had minor abnormalities on foot volumetry. The expelled volume was significantly higher after work at 4 weeks than at the first measurement at inclusion, while the refilling rate was significantly lower after work at 4 weeks than at the corresponding measurement at inclusion. Conclusion: Symptomatic improvement was recorded after compression treatment. Limited effects were seen with the objective measurement, although the most important factor, the refilling rate, diminished significantly during the treatment period. Compression treatment reduces lower limb symptoms following standing work.

Objective. Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) benefit subjectively from treatment with graduated compression stockings. Usually, class II compression is used in patients with CVl grade n. The present study investigates possible differences between graduated compression of classes I and II. Design. Randomized study. Setting. Department of Vascular Surgery and Vascular Laboratory, University Hospital, Lund. Patients and Methods. Thirty-one patients, nine male and 22 female (59 legs), all with grade II CVI. Foot volumetry and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess symptoms. Patients were randomized to either class I or class II graduated compression, and the examinations were repeated after 8 weeks of treatment. Results. The VAS assessment showed that all patients benefited to the same extent and there were no differences between the two compression classes. An increase of the expelled volume with compression was recorded, to a significant degree with class I compression. Reflux values were not significantly influenced by either grade of compression. Conclusion. Class I graduated compression did not show any difference in subjective effect or objective parameters compared with Class II. Class I compression can be recommended instead of class II compression, especially in patients who find that the higher pressure on the leg causes discomfort.Correspondence and offprint requests to: Professor Lars Norgren, Department of Surgery. Lund University. 5-221 85 Lung. Sweden.

It is possible to safely restore valvular competence by means of internally shrinking the vein diameter. The venous function is improved, although the vein has a tendency to increase in width with time; limited reflux reappears, with deterioration of venous function.

It is possible to safely restore valvular competence by means of internally shrinking the vein diameter. The venous function is improved, although the vein has a tendency to increase in width with time; limited reflux reappears, with deterioration of venous function.