Pneumatic Compression Treatment For Upper Extremity Acquired Lymphedema

Trial to Compare Pneumatic Compression Treatments for Upper Extremity Acquired Lymphedema

The purpose of this study is to determine how well different treatments for acquired lymphedema work.

The study will compare 5 different non-invasive treatments for acquired lymphedema of the arm to see which treats lymphedema best.

This study will compare 5 non-invasive lymphedema treatments.

Patients will be assigned to either:

- A combination of arm exercises, arm elevation, and wearing of a compression garment every day

OR

- One of four possible pneumatic compression devices for just two hours every day.

Pneumatic compression devices are made up of an inflatable sleeve connected to a small controller unit that is plugged into the wall. They feel like having your blood pressure taken.

None of the treatments are experimental. None of the treatments are invasive. All the treatments are considered standard of care and are used in clinics throughout the United States. All of the treatments will be done at home.

The trial will last for 7 and 1/2 months and will require follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with acquired lymphedema of the arm.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal of consent
• Unlikely compliance with the research protocol
• Acute upper extremity DVT