Pneumatic pump systems have been shown to stimulate and support lymphatic flow. Medicare, some Medicaid and commercial plans can cover some or sometimes all of the cost. For more information on each vendor and their studies please click the vendor links.
Basic versus Advanced: what is the difference
- a basic pump begins distally and works proximally, each chamber filling but NOT releasing pressure until the most proximal chamber is filled, then all will deflate and begin again.
- Advanced systems: inflate proximally first, deflates, then fills next chamber slightly more distally and deflates etc, until the most distal chamber fills and deflates. This sequence typically works for 30 min then the chamber change programs and fill distally, deflate, fill the next proximal chamber and deflate , etc until the most proximal chamber fills. That is more like a therapist working in the physiologically more appropriate clearing sequence provided by properly trained and certified therapists
Pros and Cons:
- Pro: Imaging studies show increased lymphatic motility during use of sequential pneumatic systems, supplements home self-management especially for those with limited reach to lower body, some systems are portable for car or air travel
- Con: Compliance can be difficult at times getting garments on, off or issues with the amount of space required to store the system when no in use.
Yes, studies show that the advanced systems work in stimulating the lymphatic system. See links below