Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Treating Lower Limb Lymphoedema

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Treating Lower Limb Lymphoedema: a Feasibility Study

The treatment of lymphoedema and its associated complications represent a considerable drain on increasingly limited NHS resources. Intermittent pneumatic compression, specifically the LymphAssist (Huntleigh Healthcare), represents an innovative treatment for this condition but the efficacy of this device needs to be investigated via robust clinical research.

This feasibility study aims to evaluate a proposed methodology designed to assess the efficacy of IPC in the treatment of lymphoedema. The study methodology consisted of a pilot randomised control trial of IPC plus standard lymphoedema care versus standard lymphoedema care alone. Feasibility outcomes included impact on lower limb volume.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or over,
• Able to provide written consent,
• Confirmed diagnosis of lower limb ISL stage II or III.

Exclusion Criteria:

Any of these conditions

• Severe congestive heart failure
• Severe skin problems, lower limb ulcers or wounds.
• Presence of cognitive impairment (permanent or intermittent) which would prevent patients from using the IPC device safely or adhering to instructions/study protocol.
• Non-pitting chronic lymphoedema.
• Known or suspected deep vein thrombosis.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Thrombophlebitis.
• Acute inflammation of the skin (erysipelas, cellulitis).
• Uncontrolled/severe cardiac failure.
• Pulmonary oedema.
• Ischaemic vascular disease.
• Active cancer diagnosis.
• Active metastatic diseases affecting the oedematous region.
• Oedema at the root of the extremity or truncal oedema.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy.