Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities, as assessed by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown cost effectiveness and quality-of-life benefit of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) for lymphedema. Insurers, such as the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS), however, desire visual proof that PCT moves lymph. Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) was used to visualize lymphatic anatomy and function in four subjects with primary and cancer treatment-related lymphedema (LE) of the lower extremities before, during, and after pneumatic compression therapy (PCT). Optically transparent and windowed PCT garments allowed visualization of lymph movement during single, one-hour PCT treatment sessions. Visualization revealed significant extravascular and lymphatic vascular movement of intradermally injected dye in all subjects. In one subject with suffic

SUBMITTER: Aldrich MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5665410 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature