How To Effectively Treat Lymphedema

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy is a method of therapy used to treat lymphedema with a medical device in order to enhance venous circulation in a patient's limbs. The medical device utilized in intermittent pneumatic compression therapy consists of components including inflatable auxiliary sleeves, boots, or gloves, and an air pump. Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy works by placing the limb that requires treatment into the inflatable boot or sleeve and connecting the air pump component to the sleeve with pressure lines. The pump forces air into the sleeve or boot, which pressurizes the patient's tissues contained within it. This pressurization compels any accumulated lymph or blood fluids out of the region under pressure. Time intervals are pre-set on the medical device according to physician directions. The machine follows these presets and reduces the pressure in the boot or sleeve after a certain period. This mechanism allows the blood and lymph to flow back into the limb freely. The process is then repeated several times to ensure the blood and lymph fluid does not settle and accumulate.

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