Patients

The Flexitouch^® System: Freedom To Enjoy Your Life.

The Flexitouch^® system from Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. is a patented Lymph Preparation & Drainage™ pneumatic device for treatment of lymphedema and chronic wound healing.

Contraindications for use are pulmonary edema, thrombophlebitis, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, episodes of pulmonary embolism, infections and inflammation, acute cancer, and where increased lymphatic return is undesirable.

◊ A physician must prescribe the Flexitouch system.

◊ The Flexitouch system can be used at home or in a clinical setting.

Product Description
The Flexitouch system consists of a pneumatic controller unit and patented garments, worn on the trunk and upper or lower affected extremities and connected to the controller unit by tubing harnesses. The Flexitouch system utilizes a light, therapeutic action to gently prepare the trunk and extremities for lymph evacuation and to assist in draining excess fluid from the limb.

This patented Lymph Preparation & Drainage™ process is achieved through innovative product design. The Flexitouch system controller unit offers 13 treatment programs, adjustable pressure, and adjustable therapy times.

The Flexitouch system garment set consists of up to 32 independent, inflatable chambers that sequentially inflate and deflate in one to three second intervals, according to the preprogrammed treatment pattern selected. Garments are made of a soft, stretch material and fit snugly and comfortably with Velcro^® closures for a custom fit. The trunk and chest garments have a unique, patented curved design and custom fitting of garments is not required.

How the Flexitouch^® System Works
The chambers of the Flexitouch system garment inflate and deflate in a programmed pattern, creating a series of light, therapeutic, work and release actions against the skin, similar to manual lymph drainage therapy.

Treatment is delivered in two phases. In the first phase—lymph preparation—a light, variable pressure is applied to the trunk at the chest area and/or lower abdomen area (depending on whether upper or lower extremities are affected). The action of the curved chambers of the trunk assists the lymphatic system to re-direct fluid from impaired lymphatic regions to the healthy, intact regions. With the fluid evacuated in the trunk, the lymphatic system is better able to take in the sudden increase of fluid from the swollen limb during the drainage phase.

In the second phase—lymph drainage—fluid is moved out of the limb, to the trunk and into the circulatory system. The soft, stimulating, work and release action is similar to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy. MLD therapy allows the lymphatic system to remove proteins (which attract fluid) from the soft tissues.

Benefits
Lymphedema is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. The Flexitouch system is the only pneumatic device that prepares the lymphatic system for drainage and the only device proven to be more effective than self-administered MLD therapy. When compared to other treatment programs for lymphedema, the Flexitouch system is in a class by itself.

◊ The Flexitouch system allows you to treat your lymphedema in the comfort of your own home while engaging in activities such as reading, listening to music, or watching TV.

◊ The garments are comfortable and the device is easy to use. The Flexitouch system is UL classified and has FDA marketing clearance.

◊ The Flexitouch system can be used when it most conveniently fits into your schedule.

◊ The unit is portable and lightweight so you can easily move it from room to room, or take it with you when you travel.

◊ With the Flexitouch system you can experience freedom from your lymphedema symptoms—the freedom to enjoy your life.

◊ Tell Your Doctor about the Flexitouch system.

Insurance Coverage
The Flexitouch system is covered by a majority of health plans, including Medicare, when clinical criteria are met. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. has a staff dedicated to obtaining authorization for the Flexitouch^® system. The Reimbursement Department will:

◊ Verify eligibility and benefits for the Flexitouch system to give patients an estimate of their coverage;

◊ Submit requests for authorization directly to the insurance company;

◊ Follow-up on insurance submissions until a decision is rendered; and,

◊ Assist patients with appeals as necessary.

If you have questions or would like more information about a particular payer, call
866-435-3948 or send an email to reimbursement@tactilesystems.com.

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