Pneumatic Compression Reduces Lymphedema Consequences

Lymphedema patients saw a nearly 80% reduction in their cellulitis episodes by using an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) at home, according to a new study.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN, USA) and the University of Minnesota (UMN; Minneapolis, USA) conducted a retrospective analysis involving 718 patients (both with and without cancer) to examine the impact of an APCD on cutaneous and other clinical outcomes, as well as health economic costs. The researchers compared outcomes for the year before and after APCD purchase, with the main outcomes and measures including rates of cellulitis, use of lymphedema-related manual therapy, and outpatient and inpatient hospitalizations.

The results showed that APCD use was associated with reduction in cellulitis episodes, lymphedema-related manual therapy, and outpatient visits. Among the cancer cohort, total lymphedema-related costs per patient were reduced by 37% (from USD 2,597 to USD 1,642). Reductions in physical therapy and outpatient visits resulted in a 37% decrease in lymphedema-related costs per patient, excluding medical equipment, among those with cancer, and a 36% decrease in costs for the non-cancer cohort. The study was published on October 7, 2015, in JAMA Dermatology.

“This could be a game-changer in the area of lymphedema care. Up to 10 million people in the United States are living and oftentimes suffering with symptoms of lymphedema,” said study co-lead author Prof. Sheila Ridner, PhD, of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. “The idea that a home advanced pneumatic compression device can provide relief, decrease the number of cellulitis episodes, and save money is an important new option for patients.”

“Patients with lymphedema turn to dermatologists, primary care, and vascular physicians for treatment, and now these providers have a therapy to improve skin, limb, and systemic health for these individuals,” said Jerry Mattys, CEO of Tactile Medical (Minneapolis, MN, USA), which developed the Flexitouch APCD system used in the study. “This device sequentially inflates over areas of the body affected by lymphedema to facilitate the movement of excess fluid from the limb back to the cardiovascular system.”

Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid in tissues commonly caused by abnormalities in the lymphatic system or removal or damage to a person's lymph nodes. Symptoms include swelling, recurrent cellulitis, loss of physical function, psychological stress and diminished quality of life. Lymphedema cannot be cured and is typically managed through combined therapies of manual lymph drainage, multilayer bandaging, decongestive exercise, skin care, and long-term self-management.

Related Links:
Vanderbilt University
University of Minnesota
Tactile Medical