A clinical report on the use of three external pneumatic compression devices in the management of lymphedema in a paediatric population

The effectiveness of three external pneumatic compression (EPC) devices was examined in a clinical setting, within the context of the non-surgical management of lymphedema in a paediatric population. Volumes of the lower leg and circumferences at the upper calf were measured in nine patients with lymphedema involving one of the lower extremities. Values were recorded before and after pump-down on an inpatient basis in eight children and on an outpatient basis in nine children for a maximum period of 24 months. Before-and-after volumetric measurements were taken by recording water displacements, and circumference values were based on girth measurements. Although the trends indicated improvement for all three EPC devices, the Lympha-Press and Wright Linear Pump were more effective in reducing the edema overtime. The Hemaflo 2 was inadequate and mechanically unreliable. The Lympha-Press was easier to use and teach to families. The addition of an EPC device to a non-surgical management program helped improve the quality of life in paediatric patients with lymphedema.