A Guide to Compression Therapy....
Lymphedema

BIO COMPRESSION SYSTEMS, INC.
#1 in Compression Science
1-800-ABC-PUMP
1-800-222-7867

The Growing Awareness

Although Lymphedema has afflicted the population for centuries, little was understood about this disease. Only in the past 10 to 15 years have clinicians begun to seriously focus on it's treatment.

The Iymphatic system, an offshoot of the circulatory system, develops embryologically. Fluid protein, lipids, fat soluble vitamins, and irmrrlL(rie cells circulate within Iymphatic vessels and nodes. If Iymphatic drainage is impaired, edema and protein collect in soft tissues providing a natural medium for infection. Lymphedema is the swelling of body parts, most often an extremity, caused by the abnormal accumulation of Iymph fluid.

Primary Lymphedema

Primary cases of Lymphedema occur from idiopathic or unknown causes. They may be present at birth (lymphedema congenital), occur later in life (Iymphedema praecox) or develop after age 35 (Iymphdema tarda). Some cases are familial as well as congenital.

Primary Lymphedema is more common in females and occurs more often in lower extremities.

Causes of primary Iymphedema:

  • Congenital or Hereditary lymphedema
  • Milroy's Disease
  • Idiopathic Iymphdema
  • Lymphedema Praecox
  • Lymphedema Tarda
  • Turner's Disease
  • Park-Weber Syndrome
  • Klipple-Trenaunay Syndrome

SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA

Secondary Lymphedema is caused by injury, scarring or exclusion of the lymphatic vessels - usually as a result of previous radiation and/or surgery of the jymphatics. Occasionally, secondary lymphedema is caused by trauma or chronic infection of the Iymphatic system.

Causes of secondary Lymphedema:

  • Postsurgical Lymphedma from cancer surgery (breast, prostate,ovarian, and uterine)
  • DES Daughters
  • Traumatic (accidents)
  • Burns
  • RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
  • AIDS
  • Nephritis
  • Postinflammatory Lymphedema.
  • Radiotherapy
  • Liver Disease
  • Filariasis

Lymphedema and Cancer

As cancer rates increase throughout the world, so does the incidence of Lymphedema.

Breast or abdominal surgery can result in secondary lymphedema. Treatment, such as radiation and/or surgery commonly given for carcinoma of the breast, uterus, bladder, ovary, prostate or testicle, as well as other malignant melanomas, can produce secondary Iymphedema.

Surgical removal of a tumor and the adjacent Iymph nodes and vessels can often block lymph fluid from flowing through the system. Radiation therapy is one of the leading causes of secondary Iymphedema. It can damage healthy Iymph nodes and cause scar tissue to form, interrupting the normal flow of the lymphatic system.

Treatment

When Lymphedma is diagnosed promptly and treatment begun early, patients can enjoy productive lives, with few complications. When Iymphedema remains undiagnosed or untreated, the outcome may be painful, costly, and even life-threatening.

Compressions therapy has proven to be the most effective method of treating primary and secondary lymphedema.

FORMS OF COMPRESSION THERAPY:

  • Compression Bandages
  • Elastic Wraps
  • Medical Stockings
  • Pneumatic Compressors

Bio Compression Systems, Inc.

First name in compression science, offers clinicians a complete range of compression stockings and pneumatic compression devices and appliances to meet every clinical need and budget.

Venosan Compression Stockings

Venosan by Bio Compression brings compression stockings into a new age! Venosan offers patients a wide variety of styles, sizes, and compression classes in a choice of colors to meet every patient requirement.

The Grady'NT

The appliance sleeve that provides gradient pressure! Powered by the Circulator 1003, the sleeve produces gradient segmental compression to any extremity.

The Sequential 2004

A sequential, pneumatic compression device providing pre-determined gradient pressure. Available with E-Z Zip Biocomfort Sleeves. Can treat two extremities simultaneously.

The Sequential 3004

A segmental, pneumatic compression device with calibrated gradient pressure - can deliver individually determined pressure to each segment. Available with E-Z Zip Biocomfort Sleeves. Can treat two extremities simultaneously.

Return to main compression article