Case Studies
The following case studies track and analyze the impact of the Flexitouch system on patients with secondary lymphedema, developed post-surgery or illness.
Case Study: JF – Severe Right Arm Lymphedema in a Postmastectomy Patient
Abstract: A 69-year-old woman with severe right arm lymphedema was unable to manage her condition independently with either self-manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or traditional pneumatic compression pump therapy. Although professionally administered MLD therapy provided short-term relief, the patient could not sustain that benefit in the home. After completion of a 30-day trial using the Flexitouch system, she experienced significant improvement; a 72 percent reduction in her arm edema volume and a 16.9 percent reduction in arm circumference. The Flexitouch system provided a consistent, clinically effective means for successful home maintenance of JF’s lymphedema.
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Case Study: JP – Moderate Left Leg Lymphedema
Abstract: A 40-year-old woman suffered from moderate lymphedema in her left leg following treatment for ovarian cancer. As the severity of her edema worsened, her therapist recommended the Flexitouch system. The patient began using the Flexitouch system in September, 2003. Within six months, her edema decreased by 65 percent. After one year of Flexitouch usage, JP’s edema volume was reduced by 81 percent or 2.9 liters. JP used the Flexitouch system for over two years and continued to successfully maintain her edema reduction using the Flexitouch system and compression garments.
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Case Study: GR – Severe Post-Trauma Bilateral Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Abstract: A 52-year-old woman experienced progressively severe bilateral lower extremity lymphedema following a traumatic injury sustained in 1989. Despite conscientious application of a variety of home therapy techniques, GR was unable to stabilize her lymphedema. Although professionally administered in-home manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy sessions did provide short-term relief, fluid accumulation quickly returned when professional support ceased. GR’s condition progressed until she participated in a 30-day trial therapy with the Flexitouch system in 2005. After 30 days of treatment, GR experienced significant clinical improvements in her condition; fluid volume measurements showed a reduction of 1,574 ml in her lower right limb and 1,696 ml in her lower left limb. This significant fluid loss, with concomitant physiological effects, translated into an 11 pound reduction in total body weight. Fluid loss in her limbs alone accounted for 65 percent of the weight loss. GR also experienced increased mobility, increased functional status, decreased infections, and reduced reliance upon prophylactic antibiotic therapy.
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Case Study: BF – Moderate Right Lower Extremity Lymphedema Following Knee Replacement Surgery
Abstract: BF developed moderate right lower extremity lymphedema at the age of 51 following knee replacement surgery performed in 2002. The patient tried a range of therapies, including compression stockings, in-clinic manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy, self-MLD therapy, compression pumps, and therapeutic exercise. None of these interventions were effective in controlling her lymphedema. In 2006, after exhausting all other options, she initiated use of the Flexitouch system. After five months of therapy, her edema was reduced from an initial edema-related limb volume of 1,955 ml to a volume of 189 ml – a 90 percent improvement. The patient also experienced complete alleviation of pain, improved mobility, and an increased range of motion in her knee.
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