Completed Studies
Click a study below to view abstract
“A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Types of Pneumatic Compression for Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema Treatment in the Home”
Authors: Caroline E. Fife MD, Erik A. Maus MD, Renie Guilliod MD (Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Memorial Hermann Center for Wound Care and Lymphedema Management); Suzanne Davey OTR/L CLT–LANA (Healing Hands of Lymphatics); Harvey N. Mayrovitz PhD (College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University)
Published: Supportive Care in Cancer, Online First™, 2 May 2012.
Abstract: PCDs range in complexity from simple to technologically advanced. The objective of this prospective, randomized controlled trial was to determine whether an advanced PCD (Flexitouch system) provides better outcomes as measured by arm edema and tissue water reductions compared to a standard PCD (Bio Compression 2004) in patients with arm lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.
Results: The group treated with the Flexitouch system experienced an average 29% reduction in edema compared to a 16% increase in the group treated with the Bio Compression. Mean changes in local tissue water, as measured by Moisture Meter, demonstrated a 5.8% reduction for the Flexitouch system group and a 1.9% increase for the Bio Compression group.
Conclusion: This study suggests that, for the home maintenance phase of treatment of arm lymphedema secondary to breast cancer therapy, the adjuvant treatment with an APCD provides better outcomes as judged by the significant arm edema and tissue water reductions for the APCD as compared to the SPCD.