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Optimizing Patient-Directed Lymphedema Care: A Comprehensive Review of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Technology, Efficacy, Insights, And Therapeutic Implications
Yazan Mahafza, MD,
Sonia Kukreja-Pandey, MD¹,
Berk B. Ozmen, MD¹,
Suat Morkuzu, MD²,
Ying Xiong, Medical Student¹,
Elise Kemp, N/A¹,
Melis Salman, MD¹,
Wei F. Chen, MD, FACS¹
¹Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
²Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
The Hashemite University
2025-01-09
Presenter: Yazan Mahafza
Affidavit:
The work described in this abstract represents the resident's original research and efforts under appropriate supervision. The resident has taken
responsibility for the conceptualization, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the findings presented. I have reviewed the content and approved its submission for presentation.
Director Name: Wei F. Chen, MD, FACS
Author Category: Other Specialty Resident
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
PURPOSE:
Lymphedema, a chronic ailment, demands sustainable management strategies. Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) has gained prominence as a self-managed therapy, necessitating a review of its effectiveness and role in lymphedema care.
METHODS:
Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search across databases like PubMed and EMBASE was conducted, targeting studies on IPC's use in lymphedema. The selection focused on articles discussing IPC's safety, and/or efficacy, and/or impact, and/or cost-effectiveness, and/or optimal machine settings. The findings of the selected articles were analyzed to generate a structured systematic literature review.
RESULTS:
Out of 614 articles, 49 were selected, primarily assessing IPC's impact on limb, trunk, or head and neck lymphedema. The findings indicate that IPC is beneficial in lymphedema, particularly the lower limbs, with efficacy akin to manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). The safety profile was generally positive, with minimal adverse events, and economic analyses favored IPC's cost-effectiveness.
CONCLUSION:
IPC emerges as an effective, safe, and economical option for the management of extremities' lymphedema, aligning well with patient-led care approaches. While comparable to MLD in effectiveness, IPC enhances self-management. Future research should aim to refine IPC protocols and ascertain their long-term benefits and integration into lymphedema treatment regimes.
