A venous compression element is provided which is useful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins. The compression element comprises a central core of fluid filled cells and an outer layer of soft material suitable for maintaining contact with skin for a prolonged period of time and which covers the core. A particular embodiment comprises a folded or rolled cylindrical core of air or nitrogen filled bubble wrap sheet material covered by a skin compatible bandaging material. The compression elements described are particularly useful in providing consistent compression to a blood vessel after endovenous endothelial wall damaging techniques.