difficulties in enrolling patients

The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the 2-layer compression system Kit Biflex® with regard of the 4-layer compression system PROFORE® in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in terms of complete healing at 16 weeks.

This trial is a multicentre, randomized, comparative, open label clinical study conducted in vascular medicine centres in France, with 2 parallel groups of 100 patients each. The study will be conducted in patients suffering from venous leg ulcer (stage C6 of the CEAP classification for chronic venous disorders).

The patients will be randomised at the inclusion: they will receive with either Kit Biflex® or the reference device (Profore®) for maximum 16 weeks (or until full healing).

Investigator assessments are planned every 4 weeks +/- 3 days, for 16 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inpatients or outpatients.
• Agreeing to wear a multilayer compression system throughout the study period.
• Presenting with an active venous leg ulcer: Duration between 1-24 months (whether a new ulcer or a recurrent ulcer); Surface area between 2-50 cm2; Venous, superficial or post-thrombotic ulcer confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography (dated within six months).
• With ankle circumference between 18-25 cm to allow the laying of the compression system.
• Able to follow the study instructions.
• Having read the information sheet and dated and signed the informed consent form.
• Covered by a health insurance system.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Scheduled surgery for the ulcer during the 16 weeks following inclusion.
• Clinical superinfected ulcer not controlled oral antibiotics.
• Malignant ulcer.
• Ulcer surface totally covered with dry fibrinous tissue or covered with black necrotic plaque on over 10% of its surface.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis within the last 3 months.
• Corticosteroids treatment (equivalent to more than 10 mg per day of prednisolone) ongoing or planned during the study.
• Radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy ongoing or planned during the study.
• Erysipelas and lymphangitis.
• Lower extremity arterial disease or microangiopathy (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index <0.8 or> 1.3).
• Uncontrolled non-insulin dependent diabetes (HbA1c> 8%).
• Insulin-dependent diabetes.
• Confined to bed.
• With any uncontrolled severe and progressive disease.
• With a known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the components of the study devices.
• Who had participated in a previous clinical study within the past 3 months.
• Pregnant women.