Intermittent Pneumatic Compression for Treating Lower Limb Lymphoedema

The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) as a treatment for lower limb lymphoedema as a whole, and to compare the effectiveness of a new generation device, in this case the LymphAssist (Huntleigh Healthcare), against older sequential models. The study methodology consists of a pilot randomised control trial of two groups - Intervention group A will continue to receive their standard lymphoedema care but will also be provided with a LymphAssist IPC device to use, mimicking manual lymph drainage therapy. Participants in intervention group B will receive their standard care plus an IPC device that uses sequential therapy. Each participant will act as a control for a 5 week period continuing with their standard treatment only. Outcome measures include impact on limb volume, skin stiffness and elasticity score and impact on quality of life scores.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 or over,
• Able to provide written consent,
• Confirmed diagnosis of lower limb ISL stage II or III.

Exclusion criteria

• • Unable to provide written consent

• Severe congestive heart failure
• Severe skin problems, lower limb ulcers or wounds.
• Presence of cognitive impairment (permanent or intermittent) which would prevent patients from using the IPC device safely or adhering to instructions/study protocol.
• Non-pitting chronic lymphoedema.
• Known or suspected deep vein thrombosis.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Thrombophlebitis.
• Acute inflammation of the skin (erysipelas, cellulitis).
• Uncontrolled/severe cardiac failure.
• Pulmonary oedema.
• Ischaemic vascular disease.
• Active cancer diagnosis.
• Active metastatic diseases affecting the oedematous region.
• Oedema at the root of the extremity or truncal oedema.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy.