There were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally. With aging and growth of the world population, the global burden of breast cancer will continue to increase. Although with the advancement of medical technologies, most people with breast cancer now survive after treatment and the risk of recurrence gets less, side effects and complications, mostly lymphedema, still greatly influence the life of breast cancer survivors. Good news is with intermittent pneumatic compression devices, especially the home-use one, patients can manage lymphedema more conveniently and economically.
Why is lymphedema developed after breast cancer treatment?
Lymphedema is one of the most dreaded outcomes of breast cancer treatment. Statistics shows that up to 40% of people after breast cancer treatment had developed lymphedema. And lymphedema can not be cured but using techniques can manage the symptoms and minimize fluid build-up and improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life.
Breast cancer treatments, such as radiation, mastectomy, and lumpectomy involve the damage or removal of nearby lymph nodes. Lymph nodes drain fluid through the body. If the lymph nodes are damaged or removed, the fluid builds up and cause swelling or lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur right after surgery or radiation, or months or years later.
How can lymphedema be treated?
There are various surgical and non-surgical treatments for lymphedema. If left untreated, the symptoms can get worse and cause permanent changes to the skin, such as thickening and scarring, and more severely, life-threatening infections.
Here are some standard treatments of lymphedema:
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
MLD involves the trained therapist using specialized movements to move fluid from the swollen area to the place where the lymphatic system works normally. It can treat a very specific need, providing more personalized experience to the patients. And it is an important treatment method when it comes to truncal / chest wall or breast swelling. However, MLD alone may be helpful for in managing early or mild lymphedema, but for chronic lymphedema, it might not be effective. And the treatment relies on a provider, which could be costly.
Compression bandaging
Compression bandaging involves multi-layer bandaging over the swollen areas, which is often used in the early stage of lymphedema treatment to reduce severe swelling and stop fluid building up. It is important for patients to have the bandaging work done by a trained therapist as if it is not done properly, it may not work to reduce swelling and could increase the swelling instead.
Compression garments
Compression garments help reduce mild swelling and prevent it from getting worse. Normally,
patients should wear the garments all day and take them off before bed. Compression stocking are the most common types of compression garments. It can be used while doing exercise. Keeping the compression garments clean is important for the skin as lymphedema can make it more vulnerable to infections. Keeping the garments in good condition is also important to ensure its effectiveness.
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pumps
When patients don’t respond to the traditional therapies, intermittent pneumatic compression is an excellent adjunctive treatment of lymphedema. It is more convenient, effort-saving, and cost-efficient.
Intermittent pneumatic compression devices consist of an air pump and inflatable multi-chamber sleeves. The pump produces air to inflate each chamber sequentially and then deflate. The cycled compression and decompression can effectively stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance circulation.
IPC pumps are gaining popularity among clinics and the patients. For clinics, this plug-and-play system significantly ease the work of therapists while delivering the same excellent outcomes. For patients, the home-use intermittent pneumatic compression enables them to get treatment anytime, saving travel burden and saving costs too.
LGT-2200WM, the most efficient and powerful IPC pump for clinics
LGT-2200WM is a 4-channel intermittent pneumatic compression machine that can treat 2 patients simultaneously, improving efficiency of care delivery and improve patient satisfaction with less wait time. The wide range of pressure (37-187mmHg or 5-25kPa) satisfies most treatment requirements. The system is easy to operate with intuitive interface and preset 8 compression modes. Just a few step for therapists to finish the setting and start the treatment. Watch the video to learn more.
LGT-2200SP, portable IPC pump for personal use at home
LGT-2200SP is a FDA 510(k)-cleared medical-grade device with a fashionable design. Compact and lightweight, battery-operated, and with a carrying bag, LGT-2200SP allows patients to take it to wherever they go and get treated anywhere. With it, patients can get the high-quality care for lymphedema while at work and on the trip. The device is easy to operate with 6 preset treatment modes. Simply plugging in the sleeves, putting them on, and powering up the system, patients can then enjoy the ultimate care and relief from swelling. The device is available on Amazon, buy now.