How It Works
The Flexitouch system is a programmable pneumatic compression device designed to treat edema. The system applies calibrated gradient pressures based upon the principles of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). The Flexitouch system is the only device proven to systemically stimulate the lymphatic system. 1
The Flexitouch garments are available to treat multiple affected areas as ordered by the physician, including upper and lower extremity, chest, and trunk. The garments are available in multiple sizes and are made of soft, stretchable fabric connected via hook and loop fasteners enabling a snug, contoured fit to the patient’s anatomy. The treatment is delivered through effective yet gentle pressures delivered via sequential inflation and deflation of 27–32 chambers in the garments. This treatment approach effectively mobilizes the lymphatics to transport excess fluid away from the compromised regions of the body and into the functioning vascular system.
Multiple program options provide the patient and clinician with the ability to design a treatment program to meet the patient’s clinical needs. This programmability includes a distal to proximal treatment regimen utilizing a limb garment. Enhanced programming offers a number of treatment profiles to meet patient needs, including the ability to closely mimic MLD treatment.
This enhanced treatment begins in the trunk region, working that area repetitively for several minutes, preparing it to receive lymphatic fluid. Next, the region closest to the trunk is prepared, and so on, until the distal (hand or foot) region is reached. The total time needed to prepare all the regions is approximately 30 minutes.
With a pathway now cleared for the lymph fluid to travel, the Flexitouch begins working in one non–stop motion. Starting in the chambers at the distal region of the garment, it moves up the limb, past the damaged area, into the healthy intact regions of the lymphatic system where the lymph fluid can be processed. This clearing treatment repeats for an additional 30 minutes, for a total treatment time of 1 hour.
