VEIN is pleased to launch a new column written by medical industry professionals who want to let our readers know about their vein industry-related business. VEIN wishes to not only highlight medical industry professionals but also become a guide for vein industry resources.
BSN Medical, formed in 2001, is a global manufacturer and distributor of medical textile products, servicing the wound care, orthopedic, phlebology and lymphology markets. BSN is best known in the United States for the JOBST brand of medical compression garments. JOBST is the No. 1 provider of medical compression garments in the world, with a complete offering for all stages and aspects of venous and lymphatic disease. The JOBST product portfolio contains compression bandaging, anti-embolism stockings, medical gradient stockings, custom-knit and custom-sewn garments for severe venous and lymphatic disease, arm sleeves, gloves, and gauntlets–not to mention surgical bras and other specialties needed to provide the most complete therapy options for our patients. JOBST currently has manufacturers for medical compression products in Germany, France, the United States and Mexico.
JOBST’s heritage of investment in the advancement of therapies for venous and lymphatic disease originated in the late 1940s with the founder Conrad Jobst. Jobst was a renowned mechanical engineer working in Toledo, Ohio, when he was left essentially disabled as a result of the development of venous ulcers. The therapies of the day were unsuccessful in treating his condition, and had it not been for his own realization
one day in a swimming pool about countering the internal venous hypertension with external compression, he most surely would have lost his legs to amputation.
The initial innovation of the JOBST products came in the development of textile processes designed to create garments that could provide external gradient compression to the lower limbs. While we have seen over the years significant improvements in the fibers, fabrics and styles of gradient compression garments, the basic underlying premise remains unchanged.
The industry of medical compression garments has seen significant change in the past 10 to15 years with a concerted effort by JOBST and other manufacturers to design and develop medical compression garments that not only meet the medical need of providing external compression but also improve the therapeutic index of the products–that is, innovations that reduce the adverse effects of the products. Medical compression stockings have the reputation of having the “Mrs. Doubtfire” styling and appeal. They have traditionally been perceived as “ugly,” “hot,” and “uncomfortable” and, of course, quite difficult to don. This has led to poor patient compliance and a reduced therapeutic outcome. However, today it is now possible to be wearing medical compression stockings with no one recognizing thier presence.
Advancements have come in recent years in styling specific for gender. For women, the garments can be found in the quite beautiful sheer fabrics of “Ultrasheer” or the soft supple fabrics found in “Opaque.” The men have not been left out either; products designed specifically to meet their fashion requirements can be found in the “For Men” catagory.
The latest advancements from the JOBST team have focused not only on the fashion segment of our patients’ needs, but also on the need for compression in a casual environment. Our recently released “Women’s Casual” and “Activewear” products further add to the concept that medical compression garments can now allow patients to blend into their environments without the stigma of everyone knowing they are wearing a medical device.
The next generation of products to be rolled out by the JOBST team is designed to improve the comfort of wearing compression stockings. Significant developments in textile technology in regards to improving the moisture management of textile fabrics has resulted in the creation of garments that move moisture away from the body, improve the evaporation rate, and reduce the relative humidity between the body and the fabric, resulting in a more comfortable wearing experience. This comfort enhancement can already be seen in the JOBST “Activewear” medical stocking– available in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg compression–which incorporates “Dri- Release” (Optimer™) fiber technology. Such advancement has been seen in products targeting venous disease patients as well as in our “Elvarex” product line for the therapy of lymphedema. Recently released in Europe and coming to the United States, the new line of “Elvarex Soft” products provides the excellent edema management in a softer, more easily donned fabric design.
At JOBST, we recognize that our patients would prefer not to be faced with the challenges of managing venous and lymphatic disease. It is our objective to see to it that compression therapy continues to provide optimal therapeutic outcomes while making the experience as pleasurable as possible.
