What is Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the swelling of a limb due to failure of the lymphatic system. The most common areas of the body which are affected are in an arm or a leg.

Types of Lymphedema

There are two types of lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema occurs without any known precipitating cause, and is due to inadequate or non-functional lymphatic vessels. Primary lymphedema present at birth is called congenital lymphedema.

Secondary lymphedema is precipitated by an event causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels. In the United States the most common causes are surgery involving the lymph nodes, radiation therapy, trauma, and cancer. It is most often seen following surgery for cancer of the breast, pelvic area, and resections for lymphomas and melanomas. Sometimes secondary lymphedema is caused by an accident or severe infection that has nothing to do with cancer.

 

Why You Need to Treat Your Lymphedema

As the lymphedema progresses, the involved areas may swell more and more. Movement can be severely impaired as the affected areas increase in size. Joint movement is restricted and painful, and the skin over the involved areas becomes tight and dry. The underlying tissues can become hard and fibrotic (impairs the flow of blood and oxygen to the area). This can lead to recurrent infections because the high protein lymph fluid is a good growth media for bacteria and fungi. These infections can be life threatening and may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy and each subsequent infection can further damage the already impaired lymphatic system.

Common Questions About Compression Pumps

Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph fluid fails to circulate properly, which results in swelling and reduced movement in the arms or legs. It may also result in an infection and skin breakdown. Lymphedema can be caused by damaged lymphatics, missing vessels, and by poor venous circulation. Although there is no cure for lymphedema, the symptoms can be managed by elevating the legs, applying compression hosiery and the use of compression pumps. 

What are the benefits of compression therapy?

There are several benefits to compression therapy including:

• Easy to use
• Non-invasive
• Clinically proven
• Relaxing for patients
• Few side effects
• Medicare reimbursement(if criteria are met)

 

How do I qualify for a Lymphedema Pump?

Consult your insurance plan representative or call us today to find out if you qualify.

Medicare and other major insurance carriers recognize these products as safe and effective treatment of:

• Primary and Secondary lymphedema
• Post Mastectomy/post lumpectomy/post radiation lyphedema
• Venous insufficiency
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Prevention of thrombosis

Before you can be prescribed a pump, your physician must monitor you during a four-week trial period where other treatment options are tried such as medication, limb elevation and compression garments. If, at the end of the trial, there is little or no improvement, a lymphedema pump can be considered. The doctor must then document an initial treatment with a pump and establish that the treatment can be tolerated.

Lymphedema pumps are also covered for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Before a pump can be ordered for this condition, your physician must monitor you during a six month trial period where other treatment options are tried i.e. medication, limb elevation and compression garments. If at the end of the trial period the stasis ulcers are still present, a lymphedema pump can be considered. The doctor must then document an initial treatment with a pump and establish that the treatment can be tolerated, that there is a caregiver available to assist with the treatment in the home. The doctor must then prescribe the pressures, frequency, and duration of use.

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a peripheral vascular disease (PVD) usually affecting the legs. A prolonged condition in which one or more veins do not adequately return blood from the legs back to the heart due to damaged venous valves. Symptoms may include discoloration of the skin and ankles, swelling of the legs, feelings of dull aching pain, heaviness, or cramping in the extremities. Non-healing wounds over pressure points, such as heels or ankles may also occur.

What is DVT?

DVT stands for Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is a condition in which a clot is formed in a deep vein, caused by long durations of little or no body movement. Symptoms may vary, although some experience no symptoms at all. DVT can be dangerous since these clots can travel to the lungs and cause a life threatening emboli. 
Note: Lymphedema and DVT pumps are not interchangeable, meaning a lymphedema pump should not be used to treat DVT and vice versa. 

What are Chronic Care DVT Pumps?

Chronic care compression pumps are primarily used to treat swelling due to venous or lymphatic problems, like venous stasis ulcers and intractable lymphedema. This pump has a much longer cycle time. The longer cycle time is used to assist in the movement of fluid from the interstitial spaces into the venous or lymphatic system for re-circulation and/or elimination. The full leg garment looks and fits like a boot that extends to the groin fold, and the full arm sleeve covers the hand and extends to the axillary (arm pit) region. There are also half leg garments and half arm garments. The pumps' pressure varies depending on the patient's condition, the goal of the therapy, and the patient's response to treatment.
 

Is there anything I should know before using a compression pump?

If a compression pump is used to alleviate symptoms of lymphedema or DVT treatment, care must be taken that infection or metastic disease is not present. In the case of pulmonary edema or phlebitis, extreme caution must be exercised. People with the following conditions should not use an external compression pump:

• Pain or numbness of the extremity
• Severe peripheral arteriosclerosis or other ischemic diseases
• Congestive heart failure/pulmonary edema
• Gangrene
• Dermatitis
• Untreated infected wounds
• Recent skin grafts
• Known or suspected acute deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis

Please consult your physician to discuss any change in symptoms or treatment before any new therapy is attempted.

  Use of a Compression Pump Video

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfytKBU9yhY

NEW YORK HOME HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT, INC.

30 HOPPER STREET

WESTBURY, NEW YORK 11590