Clinical Studies
This study reports that IPC pumps can reduce edema fluid in the arm and reduce tissue stiffness. It also supports early compression therapy to help prevent limb enlargement and secondary tissue changes.
This study reports that use of a lymphedema compression pump was associated with a reduction in infections and fewer hospitalizations in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema.
This abstract discusses tissue fluid pressure and flow during pneumatic compression in lower-limb lymphedema and evaluates how external pressure settings affect movement of tissue fluid.
This study reviews different pump types used for lymphedema and emphasizes that pneumatic compression therapy is most effective when combined with garments, elevation, and manual techniques.
This study from Vein Magazine reports that a four-chamber pneumatic compression pump and boot helped reduce wound size faster than treatment without a pump.
This study, co-authored by Linda Miller, PT, supports a multi-plan treatment approach that includes compression garments, elevation, exercise, and a lymphedema compression pump.
This resource covers sequential pump use in venous ulcer healing and is available in PDF format.
Press Releases
Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act
On October 21, 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act became effective. This law requires group health plans that provide coverage for mastectomies to also cover reconstructive surgery and prostheses following mastectomies.
Group health plans are required to send an annual notification describing the law’s provisions. The law provides coverage for reconstruction of the affected breast, surgery and reconstruction of the other breast for symmetry, prostheses, and treatment of physical complications of all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema.
This coverage is provided in consultation with the attending physician and the patient, and it is subject to the same annual deductibles and coinsurance provisions that apply to the mastectomy.
This federal law was passed to help protect women who have had breast cancer. Patients seeking treatment for lymphedema, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, or a lymphedema pump may need to remind insurers about these rights.