Information for Insurance Companies
Completed Study: “Advanced Pneumatic therapy in Self-Care if Chronic Lymphedema of the Trunk”
Authors: Sheila H. Ridner, Barbara Murphy, Jie Deng, Nancy Kidd, Emily Galford, Mary S. Dietrich Published: Lymphatic Research and Biology. 2010; Vol. 8(4): 209-215.
Abstract:
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the potential efficacy of the device as a component of self-care in breast cancer survivors with truncal lymphedema.
Method: Twelve participants received a total of ten self-administered, consecutive, on hour per day treatments. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the first two treatments, mid-way through therapy, and end-of-study. Symptoms were assessed by self-report symptom surveys. Signs, objectively measured, were assessed by staff who initiated skin examination and circumferential truncal measurements.
Study Results: Symptoms with statistically significant improvements included those related to tightness and heaviness, specifically in the swollen truncal areas, and in sleep. Seven of twelve participants experienced overall circumferential reductions in their most swollen areas. Thus, the Flexitouch system was clearly able to move fluid from this region of the body.
Conclusion:
- Breast cancer survivors with truncal lymphedema may benefit from using the Flexitouch system as a part of their self-care program
- The Flexitouch system had a statistically significant improvement on symptom relief.
- Patient acceptance and compliance of the Flexitouch therapy was high making this a valuable tool for home management of truncal edema.