Lymphedema Pumps - Sequential Extremity Pump, Flowtron Hydroven Pump

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Lymphedema Pumps

How do I set the pressure on the pump?

Take the patients blood pressure if possible. The lower of the two pressures is the diastolic blood pressure. If its 120/80, 80 would be the diastolic pressure. The Lymphedema Pumps pressure should never be set to exceed the patients diastolic pressure. The System 7500 Sequential Extremity Pump pressure in fact should be set 15%-20% or more below the patients diastolic pressure.Exceeding this pressure will over pressurize the tissues by overcoming the body's own innate pressure. It is appropriate to start at a lower pressure (15mmHg below diastolic) and set the pump according to the patients comfort. Higher pressures are not always better. You can increase the pressure if the patient feels comfortable or if you need higher pressures to overcome fibrosis and other related conditions. Most Lymphedema Therapists recommend Arm patients should generally not go above 40mmHG of pump pressure.

How often do I use the pump?

Patients should try to use the Lymphedema Pumps from one to four hours daily. It is more advantageousto pump in the evening before bedtime. If the patient needs to break up treatment they should divide it into two sessions twice daily. From thirty minutes to as much as two hours in the morning, and a similar amount in the evening before bedtime. They will usually start using the Lymphedema Pumps every day for one to two hours. After they reach a plateau they can start a maintenance schedule of every other day, to every second day and then twice weekly. Every patient is different and are treated appropriately. No changes in therapy should be made without authorization from the patients physician.

What is the application of the pump for treating ulcers and open wounds?

The Lymphedema Pumps can be used on patients with venous ulcers or open wounds aslong as there are no signs of infection or cellulitis. The wound or ulcer must be covered with a sterile dressing material to catch any fluid forced out of the site. If an infection occurs you should never put the pump on a patient or massage the limb as this will move the infected fluid back into the body.

I've heard the pump can't be used when an infection is present. How do I check for signs of an infection or cellulitis?

Firstly, if you are not sure, consult with your physician. Just about everyone has had an infection at some point in their life. The signs of an infection are localized swelling, pain, redness, pus formation,red streaks and scab formation. There is usually evidence of n injury such asa cut or bite of some sort. Cellulitis, however is not as easy to identify, but is much more serious. The signs and symptoms of cellulitis are mottled redness, (sunburned appearance), usually over a muscle group, heat blisters or pinpoint rash. Cellulitis usually is not painful at the onset, however most patients will experience substantial pain shortly thereafter. The patient may complain of flu-like symptoms or nausea and dizziness. If any of these symptoms are present, do not use the pump on the patient. Instead call the doctor immediately. This condition will require the patient to be placed on antibiotics for at least 10 to 14 days. A broad-spectrum antibiotic is usually prescribed.

The problem with cellulitis is that it may appear without the presence of any injury: the patient may have taken a plane trip, moved furniture, raked leaves or bowled in a league game. Some factor or combination of factors cause the limb to be stressed resulting in a flare up of cellulitis. Also, patients who have chronic sinusitis or strep throat infections are at risk for developing cellulitis especially if edema is present in the upper limb. Stress the importance of having the patient inspect the skin after bathing and the importance of treating all injuries as potentially serious ones.

Lymphedema Pumps, Flowtron Hydroven Pump, Sequential Extremity Pump.