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Case Study
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Lymphatic flow augmentation via automated directional therapy Harvey N. Mayrovitz, PhD, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL; Sharon deWit, MD .Eden Medical Center, Castro Valley, CA A major goal of therapy for patients with lymphedema is to promote effective movement of accumulated lymph fluid out of affected areas. The goal of this case study was to use lymphoscintigraphy to evaluate the impact of a new 2-phase lymph preparation and drainage device* on lymph movement in a patient with long-standing lower extremity lymphedema. We hypothesized that device use would reduce radioactive tracer transit time from foot injection site to visualized inguinal nodes The 51-year-old woman had paralysis of both legs due to a traffic accident in 1982. She developed lower extremity bilateral swelling and a heel ulcer that failed to heal despite various treatments including a skin graft. In June of 2004 she volunteered to participate in a protocol in which the new garment-system would be used in an effort to improve her lower extremity lymphatic flow. . .Bilateral baseline lymphoscintigraphy was done prior to device use and after an interval of 44 days during which she received no unusual treatment. On day 44, just prior to lymphoscintigraphy, she was fitted with the garment-device on the right entire lower extremity, including the lower abdomen. The system was activated after tracer injection and tracer movement visualized as done at baseline. For 28 days following the second assessment she continued to use the system daily. A final lymphoscinigraphy assessment was done on day 28. Results showed that a single use of the system reduced inguinal arrival time of tracer from 95 minutes at baseline to 31 minutes. Continued 28-day use of the system sustained this marked improvement in lymph movement. Within the limits of a single case study the present results provide very encouraging data suggestive of a potentially important role of this device in the long term *Flexitouch, Tactile Systems Technology |
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