Isobar has four distinct benefits
01. Maximum therapeutic effectiveness
Based on a precise 3D scan of the limb and engineered individually for each patient, Isobar compression socks fit exactly. They are truly bespoke, with 260,000 data points produced for a knee-length sock.
02. Precise pressure
The pressure profile can be tailored precisely for each patient or made according to British or European standard compression profiles. Our patented technology ensures that the exact pressure profile is delivered stitch by stitch. This is the only technology that can deliver accurate and predictable pressure at each point on the limb.
03. Comfort
According to some specialists, over 50% of patients admit to not wearing their compression socks because they are uncomfortable. A perfect fit means greater comfort, which is intended to increase patient compliance. There are no seams that can cause discomfort and no tight top band to impede blood flow.
04. Durable
Isobar compression socks continue to deliver the specified pressure after 100 wash cycles.
““We at Derma One Medical Centre are very happy with Isobar. Using Isobar as a custom-made stocking has had a huge impact in our practice and in our patients. Previously, we were using ready-made stockings for patients with veins problems in the lower limb, but they were not very compliant and satisfied, especially due to the hot weather in a country like Bahrain.
“After we started using Isobar, our patients became more compliant and more satisfied, so we at Derma One Medical Centre highly recommend the use of such product.””
Recommended uses of Isobar compression socks
Isobar garments are recommended for use in a range of medical conditions where compression therapies have been proven to be effective. Advanced Therapeutic Materials, the company behind Isobar, is MHRA registered. Isobar Compression can be used for the following conditions:
Chronic venous insufficiency (including varicose veins and venous ulcers)
Preventing leg swelling (edema) in pregnancy and the elderly
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the blood, which normally would flow back to the heart from the veins in the legs, does not do so efficiently, because the valves in the veins are damaged or absent.
As a result, blood pools in the legs, and causes complications such as aching and swelling of the legs, skin infections or skin ulcers.
Leg ulceration, the most serious symptom of CVI, is a chronic and recurrent condition. A systematic review of international prevalence studies of lower limb ulceration in adults reports a prevalence of 0.12% to 1.1%, with prevalence higher in women (Posnett et al, 2009). This amounts to over 500,000 patients in the UK of whom 70,000 to 190,000 will have lower limb ulceration at any one time (Posnett et al, 2009). The majority of these leg ulcers are due to problems in the veins (O’Meara et al, 2009).
80-85% of ulcers are venous in origin.
The need for an alternative solution
Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for the symptoms of CVI and is generally applied using multi-layer bandages or compression stockings. Compression stockings are typically supplied in standard sizes which are not suitable for non-standard legs. Multi-layer bandaging is bulky and needs to be applied by a specially trained nurse who will change the bandage at least once per week and frequently more often.
The Isobar solution
Our solution is to provide a compression stocking that is made specifically for the individual patient with a British or European standard compression profile or with a profile specified by the clinician. The stocking will fit extremely well due to the 3D scanning of the limb and our proprietary yarn feed device will ensure that the specified pressure profile is delivered accurately all over the limb being treated. The accurate measurement and precise pressure profile control enables Isobar’s treatment system to provide garments for limbs of all shapes and sizes.
The effect of Isobar stockings on calf venous transit times has been demonstrated in research carried out at University Hospital South Manchester.
Isobar stockings have been shown to have very good durability. They continue to deliver the specified pressure after more than 100 wash cycles. This enduring compression performance makes them very cost-effective when compared with 4 layer bandage if the treatment lasts for more than 12 weeks (based on a weekly bandage change).
Since more than 50% of ulcers remain unhealed at 12 weeks (C Iglesias, EA Nelson, NA Cullum and DJ Torgerson on behalf of the VenUS Team Health Technology Assessment 2004; Vol. 8: No. 29), there is considerable scope for savings, particularly since the stocking can continue to be worn after the ulcer has healed to prevent recurrence.
When to use Isobar compression garments
Isobar stockings are indicated to treat the symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency in categories C2 to C6 inclusive (Eklof et al. (2004)):
C2 - Varicose veins
C3 - Oedema
C4 - Pigmentation or eczema
C5 - Healed venous ulcer
C6 - Active venous ulcer
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a chronic medical condition affecting over 100,000 people in UK. The vast majority suffer from secondary lymphoedema often as a result of cancer treatment. Primary lymphoedema affects approximately 1 in 10,000. There is no cure for the condition but it is possible to control the symptoms using a combination of techniques such as massage and compression garments. In many cases, made-to-measure garments are required.
Although “made-to-measure” compression garments are frequently supplied based on a limited number of measurements, there is considerable evidence that many of these garments do not fit properly, which is a major frustration for patients and nurses. Much nursing time is wasted re-measuring patients and subsequently arguing with the supplier about who is at fault. It often takes 3 attempts or more to get the garment right.
The Isobar treatment system enables accurate, non-contact measurement of the limb using the hand held scanner which provides the data to produce a bespoke garment which will fit the patient properly and deliver the specified pressure profile with great precision.
Ankle Injury and Sprains
Ankle fractures affect about 60,000 people a year in the UK and over 70% of patients will suffer long term symptoms. Isobar stockings are effective in treating ankle fractures, sprains, lower leg injuries and pulled muscles.
In a recent trial at University Hospital South Manchester, patients treated using Advanced Therapeutic Materials’ Ankle Injury Stocking with an Aircast boot showed significantly better outcomes across a range of measures compared to the patients using a tubigrip under the Aircast boot. In addition, the number of patients suffering a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was reduced by 50%. Click here to download the presentation.
Advanced Therapeutic Materials’ Ankle Injury Stocking is specifically engineered to deliver the right pressure even after the stocking has been applied using a hospital butler. The stockings will also be effective in reducing swelling in the case of sprains.
These Ankle Injury Stockings are available in sets of different sizes for A&E departments and Sports Physios so that they are ready for when ankle injuries occur.
““Having led many of the largest clinical trials ever conducted worldwide on the treatment of venous ulcer and other venous conditions, I know Isobar stockings offer a unique opportunity for clinicians to find the optimal pressure to relieve symptoms and to achieve ulcer healing for each individual patient. There are no previous stockings or bandaging systems that can deliver the prescribed pressure accurately. My patients tell me that Isobar stockings are more comfortable than anything they have worn previously.””