Flexitouch – The Cutaneous, Net Clinical and Health Economic Benefits of Advanced Pneumatic Compression Devices in Patients with Lymphedema

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Authors: Pinar Karaca-Mandic, PhD, Alan T. Hirsch, MD, Stanley Rockson, MD, and Sheila Ridner, PhD, RN

Published: Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Dermatology, October 2015

PURPOSE:

Examine the impact of the Flexitouch advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) on 12 month clinical outcomes and healthcare costs in a privately insured population of lymphedema patients.

RESULTS:

In the 12 months following the receipt of the Flexitouch APCD: Cancer-related lymphedema patients demonstrated a: 79% decline in the rate of cellulitis, 29% reduction in the rate of out-patient hospital visits, 30% reduction in rate of physical therapy and 37% reduction in lymphedema-related costs. Non-cancer related lymphedema patients demonstrated a: 75% decline in the rate of cellulitis, 40% reduction in the rate of out-patient hospital visits, 34% reduction in rate of physical therapy visits and 36% reduction in lymphedema-related costs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lymphedema is a chronic disease associated with increased rates of cellulitis and adverse clinical events. The Flexitouch system is the only pneumatic compression device clinically proven to reduce the incidence of cellulitis, stimulate the lymphatic system and help to reduce healthcare costs in lymphedema patients.