Expertise Basics CEAP classification CEAP classification for chronic venous disorders Chronic Venous Disorders (CVD) is a collective term that describes a long-standing condition involving impaired venous return in varying degrees of severity. To distinguish the different manifestations of CVD, the CEAP classification system is used. CEAP Share: What is CEAP classification? In order to standardize the reporting and treatment of the diverse manifestations of chronic venous disorders, a comprehensive classification system (CEAP) was developed to allow uniform diagnosis and comparison of patient populations. Created by an international ad hoc committee of the American Venous Forum in 1994, it has been endorsed throughout the world and is now an accepted standard for classifying chronic venous disorders. The fundamentals of the CEAP classification include a description of the clinical class (C) based upon objective signs, the etiology (E), the anatomical (A) distribution of reflux and obstruction in the superficial, deep and perforating veins, and the underlying pathophysiology (P), whether due to reflux or obstruction (1). Designed to be a document that would evolve over time, CEAP underwent its first official review and revision by an international panel under the auspices of the American Venous Forum in 2004 (2). The revised document retains the basic CEAP categories but improves the underlying details. CEAP: Seven clinical classes of chronic venous disorders According to the CEAP classification, chronic venous disorders can be divided into seven clinical classes C0 to C6 with specific signs: C0: No visible or palpable signs of venous disease C1: Telangiectasis (spider veins) or reticular veins C2: Varicose veins C3: Edema C4: Skin changes (pigmentation, eczema, induration) C5: Healed venous ulcer C6: Active venous ulcer Disease mechanism References: (1) Porter JM, Moneta GL. Reporting standards in venous disease: an update. International Consensu Committee on Chronic Venous Disease. J Vasc Surg 1995;21:635-45. (2) Eklof B, Rutherford RB, Bergan JJ, Carpentier PH, Glovicski P, Kistner RL, et al. Revision of the CEAP classification for chronic venous disorders: consensus statement. J Vasc Sur 2004;40:1248-52. Further reading Chronic venous disorders (CVD) Constant standing or sitting impedes the flow of blood towards the heart. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to venous insufficiency, which is characterized by improperly functioning vein valves that interfere with venous return and cause the blood to pool in the veins. If left untreated, venous insufficiency can result in the formation of serious disorders, including phlebitis, pulmonary embolism, or ulcers. Read more What is medical compression therapy and how does it work? Medical compression therapy applies a type of elastic device on limbs or other body parts to exert a controlled pressure on them. Thereby, the device squeezes the vein walls together and improves the circulatory rate. Medical compression also helps with reduction of edema and recreates conditions beneficial for the healing of chronic inflammatory disorders. Read more Compression levels and indications Basically, the greater the compression level, or compression strength, the tighter the compression stocking. These levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It's the same scale used to take your blood pressure. Read more We use cookies Read more. OK, I understand Company About SIGVARIS GROUP Career Services Our app Inelastic product registration Dealer portal Compression with a cause Find us Find a retailer Contact us Follow us Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Youtube © 2021 SIGVARIS GROUP. All rights reserved. Legal Imprint Patents