[Basic principles of compression therapy].

The empirically established positive effects of the compression in the syndrome of the chronic insufficiency of the veins are widely accepted. Nevertheless the theoretical interpretation of these effects is often difficult, and even, depending on the criterion chosen, contradictory results can be yielded, particularly with regard to the influence on the pumping function of the veins. The experiences concerning these compression effects are reported, taking into consideration the non-linear relation between venous pressure and volume of the extremities and paradoxical results are explained.