For Physicians
Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive medical condition affecting 3–5 million people in the U.S. It is caused by a malformation of, or a disruption to, the lymphatic system, resulting in an abnormal and excessive accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the limbs, torso or other areas of the body. When lymph vessels and/or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, blocked or removed, the lymphatic system cannot sufficiently absorb excess fluid and proteins from the interstitium, often resulting in debilitating edema.
The Venous/Lymphatic Partnership
The body’s lymph and venous drainage systems are intimately linked in both health and disease. Arterial blood flowing out of the heart slows as it moves through a capillary bed - here it becomes interstitial fluid. Approximately 90% of this fluid enters the veins as plasma while the other 10% enters the lymph system.1 In a healthy system the lymphatic system effectively removes excess waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells, and toxins so that the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system.
There is evidence indicating that when venous disease is present, particularly in its advanced stages, the lymphatic system frequently fails. This cause and effect relationship exists because chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) leads to venous hypertension, resulting in high filtration pressure and increased fluid in the interstitium, which requires drainage by the lymphatic system. The lymphatics compensate by working hard to fill and empty at an increased rate. Over time, however, the lymphatic vessels are unable to meet the demand of fluid removal and become mechanically damaged, resulting in lymphedema. The deleterious effects of lymphedema include skin changes (hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, fibrosis), impaired mobility, inhibited wound healing, and increased risk for infection.
Traditionally edema related to CVI has been treated with compression
garments and traditional pumps. With the introduction of the Flexitouch system, patients
have an alternative treatment that is clinically proven to reduce
edema2 and move lymphatic fluid systemically.3 Uniquely designed
to mimic the mechanics of the lymphatic system, this advanced pneumatic
compression device (PCD) moves fluid to functioning drainage areas,
thereby reducing edema and its many complications.
Types of Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system and can be hereditary.
Secondary lymphedema is an acquired condition with a known cause, such as:
- Surgery
- Obesity
- Radiation therapy
- Trauma
- Benign or malignant tumor growth
- Infection
- Iatrogenic causes
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Filariasis
Implications
The symptoms of lymphedema can severely impact your patient’s mobility, dexterity, range of motion and ability to perform activities of daily living. If left untreated, the condition can lead to fibrosis and life-threatening infections.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but with effective treatment, patients can manage the swelling, minimize infections, and improve their overall health and quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), provided in-clinic by a trained lymphedema therapist, is considered the “Gold Standard” for the treatment of lymphedema.
CDT includes:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Meticulous skin and nail care
- Compression bandaging
- Decongestive exercise
- Instruction in self-management
How the Flexitouch System Can Help Your Patients
After discharge from in-clinic therapy, your patients will need to manage their lymphedema or chronic edema at home, a daily regimen that usually includes self-MLD therapy along with other treatment components. Many patients lack the strength, flexibility or physical skills to perform self-MLD consistently and effectively. Used daily to replace or augment self-MLD therapy, the Flexitouch system minimizes the obstacles to successful at-home treatment by automating self-MLD. Clinical research studies indicate that the Flexitouch system offers patients a way to extend the benefits of in-clinic treatment at home and improve their health and quality of life. Learn more >
Reimbursement
Over 500 healthcare plans, and government agencies including Medicare, provide insurance reimbursement for the Flexitouch system for patients who meet specific clinical criteria. Our dedicated staff of reimbursement specialists handles all the details, from verifying benefits to securing authorization for reimbursement. The Flexitouch system is available by prescription only.