ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the current Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forumclinical practice guidelines for the management of venous leg ulcers (VLU). VLU are a major health care problem due to their prevalence of approximately 1.0%–1.5% of the population and significant potential socioeconomic impact with a need for significant resource utilization, as well as their potential for prolonged disability. A more uniform method of treatment for VLUs based on clinical evidence for efficacy may improve therapeutic effectiveness, increase healing rates, decrease potential recurrence, and possibly reduce cost. The VLU Guidelines were endorsed before publication by the American College of Phlebology and Union Internationale de Phlebologie, and they were endorsed post-publication by the American College of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair. For use of VLU guidelines, a standard definition of VLUs, use of consensus anatomic terminology, and an understanding of pathophysiology are critically important.
