Professionals

Information for Healthcare Professionals

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

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

This patented Lymph Preparation & Drainage™ process is achieved through innovative
product design. The Flexitouch system controller unit offers 13 treatment patterns,
adjustable pressure, and adjustable therapy times. The Flexitouch system garments
consist of up to 32 independent, inflatable chambers that sequentially inflate and deflate
in one to three second intervals, according to the treatment pattern selected. Garments
are made of a soft, stretch material and fit snugly and comfortably via Velcro^® closures
for a custom fit. The trunk and chest garments have a unique, patented curved design,
so custom fitting is not required.

How the Flexitouch^®system complements standard treatment options
Patient options for treatment of lymphedema symptoms include compression garments
and bandaging, complete decongestive therapy, manual lymphatic drainage therapy,
non-segmented and nonprogrammable compression pumps, and programmable
pneumatic devices, such as the Flexitouch system.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) consists of a series of light, therapeutic, work and
release hand techniques against the skin. These specialized hand techniques employ
a light stretching pressure that helps direct and move accumulated lymphatic fluid up
and out of the limb. This light pressure has two purposes: it facilitates the movement of
the fluid in the soft tissues, and it stimulates the lymph vessels just underneath the skin
to absorb more fluid. MLD treatment starts by focusing on the lymph nodes and vessels
of the trunk in order to prepare the healthy regions of the lymphatic system. This is
followed by a focus on redirecting the lymphatic fluid from the impaired limb to the healthy and intact regions in the trunk.

Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) combines several weeks of in-clinic MLD therapy
provided by a trained therapist followed by an at-home, patient-administered treatment
phase. This second phase includes bandaging, self-MLD, skin care, exercise, and
wearing of compression garments to help prevent the reaccumulation of lymphatic fluid.

The Flexitouch system, with patented garments segmented into up to 32 inflatable
chambers, provides a light, therapeutic work and release action via the inflation and
deflation of these chambers that is similar to MLD therapy. The 13 electronically
controlled treatment patterns provide treatment in two phases—lymph preparation and
lymph drainage. The Flexitouch system is currently the only pneumatic device for the
treatment of lymphedema that prepares the lymphatic system for drainage. It also is the
only pneumatic compression device that has been proven to be more effective than
self-administered MLD therapy. The benefit of the Flexitouch system is that it allows
patients to effectively self-administer ongoing MLD treatments at home. When compared
to other home treatment programs for lymphedema, the Flexitouch system is in a class
by itself.

Physician Prescription Required
The Flexitouch system requires a physician prescription for the treatment of lymphedema
and chronic wound healing. Contraindications 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.

The Flexitouch system may be prescribed for in-home use or for treatment in a clinical
setting. Patients report a 91% compliance rate and 92% of patients found it effective in
improving their quality of life. The Flexitouch system is UL classified and has FDA
marketing clearance.

Patient Benefits
Lymphedema is a lifelong condition for which there is no cure. The benefits of in-clinic
CDT are often difficult to maintain with self-MLD and bandaging for many lymphedema
patients. The Flexitouch system has an action similar to MLD therapy and has been
shown to be more effective than self-MLD.

The Flexitouch system allows patients to treat their lymphedema at 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.

◊ Patients can use the Flexitouch system in their home and on their schedule.

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

◊ The Flexitouch system is reimbursed as a programmable pneumatic device by a majority of health plans, including Medicare, when clinical criteria are met. Please see our Reimbursement section for additional information.

◊ With the Flexitouch system, patients can experience freedom from their lymphedema symptoms—the freedom to enjoy life.

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