Treating chronic oedema of the lower limb using circular knit garments: how garment characteristics affect outcomes
Author(s) Jeanne Everett, Sue Lawrance, Natalie PhillipsPublication Date 2021-10-01
This articles aims to discuss the reasoning which underpins the use of compression hosiery in the management of lymphoedema and how this understanding can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on patients and clinical resources. Read More
Rethinking decongestive lymphoedema treatment during the pandemic
Author(s) Jeanne Everett, Sue Lawrance, Natalie PhillipsPublication Date 2021-04-01
This article explores how using Haddenham easywrap instead of time- and resource-intensive bandaging regimes, alongside the Haddenham LymphFlow Advance, as part of self-management programmes, can benefit patients’ quality of life, reduce costs and resource use and enable patients to self-manage this long-term chronic condition more effectively. Read More
Breast Tissue Dielectric Constant as a Potential Breast Edema Assessment Parameter
Author(s) Mayrovitz H, Somarriba, and WeingradPublication Date 2021-03-24
Many methods can quantitatively assess limb lymphedema, but methods to assess breast edema/lymphedema are quite limited. Thus, there is a need for a convenient and accurate way to quantify and track changes in this condition. Read More
An Approach Toward Assessing Head-and-Neck Lymphedema Using Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios: Method and Normal Reference Values
Author(s) Mayrovitz, Patel, Kavadi, Khan and BartolonePublication Date 2021-02-02
There are multiple methods to quantitatively assess limb lymphedema, but quantitative methods to assess external lymphedema in persons with head-and-neck lymphedema are quite limited. Read More
Effects of Local Forearm Skin Heating on Skin Properties
Author(s) Mayrovitz HNPublication Date 2020-07-06
This study investigated impacts of local skin heating on skin properties and tested whether skin changes depended on heat-induced hyperaemia. It was reasoned that heat-induced vasodilation impacts accompanying interstitial fluid changes. Read More
Assessment of Skin Properties in Chronic Lymphedema: Measurement of Skin Stiffness, Percentage Water Content, and Transepidermal Water Loss
Author(s) Yu Z, Liu N, Wang L, Chen J, Han L, Sun DPublication Date 2020-06-18
Lymphedema (LE) is a chronic progressive protein-rich edema of the soft tissues. Measurement of extracellular fluid of the affected limbs is widely used in detecting LE; however, quantification of the skin alterations and early tissue changes in LE lacks approaches. Read More
Tissue Dielectric Constant Measures in Women With and Without Clinical Trunk Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer Surgery: A 78-Week Longitudinal Study
Author(s) Koehler LA; Mayrovitz HN.Publication Date 2020-05-07
Following breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal, women are at risk of developing lymphedema in the upper extremity or trunk. Currently, trunk lymphedema diagnosis relies on a clinical assessment because no quantifiable standard method exists. Read More
Haddenham Comfiwave: a unique compression device for lymphoedema treatment
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Sue LawrencePublication Date 2020-04-01
Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment in venous and lymphatic diseases. Optimisation of compression therapy is not a new concept, but, in the UK, the use of 24-hour compression therapy as part of the maintenance phase of treatment has not been standard practice and, until recently, has only been adopted by certain specialist centres. One such modality in the process of optimisation is the use of products that are classed as ‘reduced compression’ or ‘night-time garments’. These are not traditional flat- or circular-knit garments but are made of various components to include foam and, more recently, knitted cotton fabrics. Haddenham Comfiwave is a new product that has recently been brought to market and does not feature in the literature reviewed. Although a new unique product in its own right, it has been demonstrated to fit within the common groups of products discussed. Read More
Reliability of the MoistureMeterD Compact Device and the Pitting Test to Evaluate Local Tissue Water in Subjects with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.
Author(s) De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, De Groef A,Publication Date 2020-04-01
Local tissue water in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can be assessed by measurement of the tissue dielectric constant using the MoistureMeterD Compact� (MMDC) device, or by performing the pitting test. Although these assessment methods are commonly used in clinical practice, literature shows a lack of research on their clinimetric properties. Read More
Empowering patient self-management through tailored compression garment regimens
Author(s) Jeanne Everett, Sue Lawrance, Natalie PhillipsPublication Date 2020-04-01
Easywrap from Haddenham Healthcare is a popular choice among both health professionals and patients, due to its low profile, making it a comfortable option for wearing beneath normal clothes, and its uncomplicated design, making it easy for patients to put on and take off themselves. This article will evaluate the advantages of using Easywrap for self-management and explore why the Fusion liner, which is now available on drug tariff, can further improve self-care in lymphoedema management. Read More
Assessing Breast Lymphoedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment Using Indocyanine Green Lymphography
Author(s) Heydon?White A, Suami H, Boyages J, Koelmeyer L, PPublication Date 2020-03-02
Breast lymphoedema is a largely unrecognised survivorship issue for women following breast cancer treatment. While a few objective methods have previously been applied to assess breast lymphoedema, none are capable of imaging breast lymphatics or identifying lymphatic morphological changes indicative of breast lymphoedema. Read More
Heat Related Changes in Skin Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC)
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Berdichevskiy G, Lorenzo?Valido C, FPublication Date 2019-11-02
The impact of 20 min of whole-body heating (WBH) on the tissue dielectric constant (TDC) of forearm and hand skin was evaluated in 24 young adults. TDC was measured in triplicate at 300 MHz using an open-ended transmission line method in which the effective measurement depth was about 2 mm. Read More
Palpation of Increased Skin and Subcutaneous Thickness, Tissue Dielectric Constant, and Water Displacement Method for Diagnosis of Early Mild Arm Lymphedema.
Author(s) Karlsson K, Nilsson-Wikmar L, Brogardh C, JohanssoPublication Date 2019-10-01
Early diagnosis of mild lymphedema and treatment are important to prevent its progress. The tissue dielectric constant (TDC), measuring local tissue water in the skin and upper subcutis, has neither been related to the water displacement method (WDM) nor been used to diagnose mild arm lymphedema in patients at risk. Read More
Skin Tissue Dielectric Constant in Women With High Body Fat Content
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Forbes J, Vemuri A, Krolick K, RubinPublication Date 2019-09-25
Skin tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements at a frequency of 300 MHz are used to assess skin properties in many conditions. Impacts of patient obesity on these values are unknown, and its quantitative assessment was the goal of this research. Read More
Assessing Lower Extremity Lymphedema Using Upper and Lower Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios: Method and Normal Reference Values
Author(s) Mayrovitz, HN.Publication Date 2019-08-01
Lower extremity swelling accompanies many conditions, including gynecological surgery and chronic venous dysfunction. Some clinical and quantitative assessment methods exist, but other ways to rapidly assess early lymphedema and track changes are needed. Read More
Minimum Detectable Changes Associated with Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurements as Applicable to Assessing Lymphedema Status
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Mikulka A, Woody DPublication Date 2019-06-17
ssue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements are increasingly being used as a tool to help characterize lymphedema features, detect its presence, and assess treatment related changes. Although the underlying physics of this technology has been well described in the literature, there has been little systematic study of in vivo reliability aspects. Read More
Assessing Upper and Lower Extremities Via Tissue Dielectric Constant: Suitability of Single Versus Multiple Measurements Averaged
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Mikulka A, Woody D.Publication Date 2019-06-17
Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements as an index of local tissue water are useful in a range of applications most notably to characterize and assess lymphedema. Once a measuring device is applied to skin and a result is obtained in less than 10 seconds, but multiple sites may be required and use of the standard triplicate measurements may be time prohibitive. Read More
An Audit on the use of Adjustable Velcro Wrapping Devices as an Alternative to Compression Bandaging in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
Author(s) Natalie LeePublication Date 2019-05-01
To investigate if an adjustable Velcro compression wrap, currently used to treat lymphoedema, is a cost-effective alternative to traditional compression bandaging in patients with chronic oedema and static wounds, whilst considering whether concordance with ongoing care was improved to avoid recurrence. Read More
Breast Oedema Following Breast Conserving Surgery and Radiotherapy.
Author(s) Johansson, K, Lahtinen T and Bjork-Eriksson T.Publication Date 2019-04-16
The association between lymphedema of the arm and impaired health-related QoL (HR-QoL) has led to changes in clinical practice. However, data on lymphedema of the breast (ie, breast edema) are lacking. We prospectively evaluated patient-reported prevalence and determinants of breast edema and its effect on patient-reported HR-QoL and breast pain. Read More
Haddenham Easywrap: an alternative to compression bandaging in chronic oedema and wound care
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Sue LawrancePublication Date 2019-04-01
Haddenham Easywrap has been available since 2016 and since then case studies have been presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the product in clinical practice. The aim of the article is to demonstrate how its use in chronic oedema, and wound care is beneficial and cost effective and how versatile one product can be in treating both of these conditions. Read More
Possible Applications of Normative Lower to Upper Limb Ratios Of Tissue Dielectric Constant To Lower Extremity Edema
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Alvarex A, Labra M, Mikulka A, WoodyPublication Date 2019-02-01
Lower extremity edema occurs in many conditions including congestive heart failure, lymphedema, diabetes-related, kidney and liver disease, chronic venous insufficiency with venous hypertension. Clinical edema assessment methods are often subjective and variable. Read More
Factors Affecting Interpreting of Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) in Assessing Breast Cancer Treatment Related Lymphedema (BCRL).
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Arzanova E, Somarriba S, Eisa S.Publication Date 2019-01-01
Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements are increasingly used as quantitative adjunctive tools to detect and assess lymphedema. Various factors affect measured TDC values that may impact clinical interpretations. Read More
Impact of Body Fat and Obesity on Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) as a Method to Assess Breast Cancer Treatment Related Lymphedema (BCRL).
Author(s) Mayrovitz H.Publication Date 2019-01-01
Obesity is linked to the risk of breast cancer and treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL). Thus, knowledge of how obesity, or more specifically total body fat percentage (TBF) and body mass index (BMI), affect measurements that are used to detect or track lymphedema is clinically important. Read More
Haddenham Star Cotton: improving treatment outcomes in maintaining chronic oedema
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Sue LawrencePublication Date 2018-10-01
The slightly stiffer knit used in Star Cotton provides greater resistance than the stretchier Veni fabric. It is a good midpoint fabric, in cases where it is a borderline decision of whether circular or flat knit garments would be the best course of treatment. Read More
The use of Velcro wrapping devices to improve outcomes on quality of life of lymphoedema patients
Author(s) Patryk Gawrysiak MScPublication Date 2018-06-01
Intensive therapy is necessary for many patients, however it requires visiting hospitals/lymphoedema practitioners on a daily basis or at least 2-3 times a week, which creates issues regarding the cost of travelling, time off work and mobility. Wrapping devices could be considered as an alternative to the traditional bandaging approach as they promote self-management with very good, comparable outcomes. Read More
Reference Values for Assessing Localized Hand Lymphedema Using Inter-Hand Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Arzanova E, Somarriba S, Eisa S.Publication Date 2018-06-01
Early detection and tracking of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema have been helped by quantitative assessment methods and parameters, including bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy and tissue dielectric constant (TDC). Read More
Riancorp LTU-904 Laser Clinical Trial Summary
Author(s) S.N. Anderson, N.B. Piller, B. Gannon, A.P. AngelPublication Date 2018-01-09
The LTU-904 decreases affected limb volume, decreases whole upper body fluid and improves tonometry of upper arm and posterior torso. In post mastectomy lymphoedema patients one to three months after treatment. The results suggest a systemic effect of LTU-904 therapy. Read More
Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios as a Method to Characterize Truncal Lymphedema.
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN and Weingrad DN.Publication Date 2018-01-01
Truncal lymphedema is one possible complication of breast cancer treatment. It affects many women and is diagnosed based on symptoms and clinical assessment. Because changes occur late in the process, it is useful to have a quantitative assessment that is applied earlier to detect more subtle changes and quantitively assess treatment progress. Read More
Case study of palliative care treatment for severe upper limb lymphoedema
Author(s) Shannon Ruddell, Mary WoodsPublication Date 2017-10-23
The Mobiderm armsleeve is a semi open garment with velcro fasteners which allows for easy donning and conforms to variations in patients arm Shape. The Mobiderm foam construct within the sleeve, applies a soft pressure and provides microcirculation of the tissues. This can assist in softening fibrosis and promoting lymphatic drainage. Read More
A Clinical audit of the Lymphflow Advance, Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump in the treatment of venous and lymphatic disease.
Author(s) Stacy Pugh, Charlotte Stubbs et alPublication Date 2017-10-23
Ongoing evaluation continues to demonstrate that the LymphFlow Advance is comparable or better than previous devices in maintaining and reducing oedema and that having cycles which focus on specific areas are beneficial. In future a larger study in the form of a randomised controlled trial should be completed to enable statistically significant data analysis. Read More
Tissue Dielectric Constant and Circumference Measurement in the Follow-Up of Treatment-Related Changes in Lower-Limb Lymphedema.
Author(s) Tugral, Viren, Bakar.Publication Date 2017-09-22
Lymphedema of lower limbs is a chronic condition that requires life-long management. Therapeutic effect of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) is most often followed by circumference measurements (CM). However, the CM measurements are not specific to interstitial tissue fluid and have problems in sensitivity and objectivity. Read More
A Comparative Evaluation to Determine the Compression Levels and Static Stiffness Index Achieved in Four Velcro Wrapping Compression Devices
Author(s) Natalie LeePublication Date 2017-08-23
The purpose of this comparative evaluation was to demonstrateand compare the levels of compression and static stiffness indexes achieved by four Velcro systems, on healthy subjects. Read More
Role of Handedness on Forearm Skin Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) in Relation to Detection of Early-Stage Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Fasen M, Spagna P, Wong J.Publication Date 2017-08-10
Skin tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements help assess local skin water to detect incipient early-stage lymphedema subsequent to breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. However, presurgery measurements are not always obtained and assessments for evolving lymphedema are only made after surgery. Read More
Breast Oedema Following Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Author(s) Greenhowe J, Stephen C, McClymont L, Munnoch DA.Publication Date 2017-05-01
Breast oedema causes significant morbidity and is historically difficult to quantify. The aim of this study was to identify changes in breast tissue water content from pre-operative levels in the native breast to post-operative levels in mastectomy skin flaps and free flaps in the reconstructed breast. Read More
Haddenham easywrap: the latest innovation in the management of lymphoedema
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Sue LawrancePublication Date 2017-03-23
The use of velcro compression wrapping devices in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema is not a new concept. Wraps have been available for many years and are being used widely in clinic and community settings where bandaging or traditional compression garments are not suitable. Furthermore, they are becoming more common when treating venous disease, patients with wounds and lipoedema. The aim of this article is to introduce the reader and clinician to the new Haddenham easywrap and to demonstrate why it is different to any other velcro wrapping device available. Case studies will be utilised from clinicians currently using easywrap in clinical practice, with both therapist and patient feedback given to demonstrate the efficacy of this new velcro compression wrapping device. Read More
Lymphoedema management with the LymphFlow Advance pneumatic compression pump
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Jane Wigg, Stacy Pugh, Janet Barclay,Publication Date 2016-10-03
There are many intermittent pneumatic compression devices available for use in the management and adjunct treatment of lymphatic, venous and arterial disease. This article discusses the development of a new advanced pneumatic compression device, the LymphFlow Advance, which can perform focussed treatment on the lymphoedematous area using a variety of different cycles. Case studies with therapist and patient feedback are used to demonstrate the use of the LymphFlow Advance in the lymphoedema clinic, with a discussion of the evidence to underpin recommended treatment regimes. Read More
Skin Indentation Firmness and Tissue Dielectric Constant Assessed in Face, Neck, and Arm Skin of Young Healthy Women.
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Corbitt K, Grammenos A, Abello A, MaPublication Date 2016-07-01
Our goal was to test the hypothesis that skin firmness correlates with skin hydration. Methods: Dermal water was assessed by tissue dielectric constant (TDC) at 0.5 mm (TDC0.5 ) and 2.5 mm (TDC2.5 ) depths on four face sites and two arm sites of 35 women (25.0 � 1.6 years). Read More
Managing chronic oedema and venous disease with made-to-order garments
Author(s) Marie ToddPublication Date 2016-04-12
Selecting the most appropriate compression garments is vital in the longterm management of venous disease and chronic oedema. The range of styles has improved greatly over the years and many garments are available on the UK Drug Tariff. Practitioners now have a wide range of options to choose from including the type of fabric, colour, compression class, and style of garment. These options increase the pratitioners ability to select the most suitable garments and combine clinical and aesthetic needs, with the ultimate aim of improving compliance. The focus of this article is to highlight the aims and qualities of the various types of compression garments available, discuss the rationale for prescribing choice, and describe the benefits of Haddenhams Veni made-to-order compression leg garments in the management of chronic oedema and venous disease. Three case studies will demonstrate the effectiveness of the Veni made-to-order range of compression garments. Read More
Two-Year Follow-Up of Temporal Changes of Breast Edema After Breast Cancer Treatment With Surgery And Radiation Evaluated By Tissue Dielectric Constant.
Author(s) Johansson K, Lahtinen T, Bjork-Eriksson T, DarkehPublication Date 2015-12-01
Breast edema is reported as a common complaint after breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy (RT). Measurements of local water in skin and upper subcutis with tissue dielectric constant (TDC) technique have the potential to detect breast edema in patients after breast cancer treatment. Read More
Experimental and Analytical Comparisons of Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) in Assessment of Early Arm Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients after Axillary Surgery and Radiotherapy
Author(s) Tapani Lahtinen, Tuomas Viren, Karin JohanssonPublication Date 2015-11-30
Early diagnosis of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) is of great importance for longstanding treatment results. Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) both have a potential for early diagnosis, but have not been compared. Read More
Experimental and Analytical Comparisons of Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) in Assessment of Early Arm Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients after Axillary Surgery and Radiotherapy
Author(s) Lahtinen T, Seppala J, Tuomas Viren T, Johansson KPublication Date 2015-11-30
Early diagnosis of breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) is of great importance for longstanding treatment results. Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) both have a potential for early diagnosis but have not been compared. longstanding treatment results. Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) both have a potential for early diagnosis, but have not been compared. Read More
Using compression hosiery to prevent rebound swelling
Author(s) Marie ToddPublication Date 2015-10-01
The management of chronic oedema often consists of a programme of compression bandaging to reduce swelling and improve skin changes and limb shape, followed by patient self-care management in compression hosiery. Occasionally, patients experience rebound swelling and require further episodes of bandaging. In such cases, a thorough assessment of the causes of the rebound swelling should be carried out so that they can be eliminated. By evidencing three case studies, this article demonstrates that Haddenham Custom Goldpunkt garments can be useful in preventing rebound swelling, making it a cost- and resource-effective method of managing stubborn chronic oedema and lymphoedema. Read More
Age-Related Differences in Tissue Dielectric Constant Values of Female Forearm Skin Measured Noninvasively At 300 Mhz.
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Singh A, Akolkar S.Publication Date 2015-06-01
We hypothesized that reported age-related shifts in skin water from less-to-more mobile states would result in increased skin tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values as TDC values depend strongly on water content and state. Read More
Microfine Toecaps: An Innovative and Cost-Saving Solution
Author(s) Jane Wigg, Rebecca ElwellPublication Date 2015-05-01
This article discusses the use of Microfine toe caps (Haddenham, UK) for the treatment of digit swelling. It will discuss the indications and contraindications of the device and offers some case studies where toe caps have been used in clinical practice. The use of the Microfine toe cap offers an alternative to toe bandaging, has many different applications and can be safe and time-saving to apply when used appropriately following a full and holistic assessment. Read More
Patterns of Temporal Changes in Tissue Dielectric Constant as Indices of Localized Skin Water Changes in Women Treated for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Weingrad DN, Lopez L.Publication Date 2014-12-01
Our goal was to characterize temporal patterns of skin Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) as a foundation for possible TDC use to detect and quantify lymphedema. Although limb volumes and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) are used for this purpose, potential TDC-method advantages are that it can be done in about 10 seconds at any body site to depths from 0.5 to 5.0 mm below the epidermis Read More
Use of compression shorts in the management of lymphoedema and lipoedema
Author(s) Jane Wigg, Natalie LeePublication Date 2014-11-17
Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment in the management of lymphoedema and lipoedema. However, due to variance in the location, severity and type of the condition, patients often have to compromise on garments to ensure that the affected area of oedema is controlled. This article discusses the use of Veni compression shorts (Haddenham Healthcare) and Capri garments as an alternative treatment option to full-leg compression garments. The article explains treatment areas and conditions where the application of these garments will enhance carefor example, for trunkal swellingand where compression may not generally be requiredfor example, in the feet Read More
Prospective multicentre observational study of lymphedema therapy (Mobiderm)
Author(s) I. Quéréa E. Preslesb et alPublication Date 2014-11-01
Prospective multicentre observational study of patients with unilateral lymphedema. The primary objective was to assess lymphedema volume variation between baseline, the end of intensive phase and 6 months later. Secondary objectives were to assess the frequency of heaviness limiting limb function and treatments safety predictors for volume reduction. Read More
Assessing Localized Skin-to-Fat Water in Arms of Women with Breast Cancer via Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurements in Pre-Surgery Patients
Author(s) itz HN, Weingrad DN, Lopez L.Publication Date 2014-11-01
Skin-to-fat tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values at 300 MHz largely depend on tissue water and provide a rapid way to assess skin water by touching skin with a probe for approximately 10 s. This method has been used to investigate lymphedema features accompanying breast cancer (BC), Read More
Measuring Head and Neck Lymphedema: The ??ALOHA?? Trial
Author(s) Purcell A, Nixon J, Fleming J, McCann A and PorcedPublication Date 2014-09-12
There is no clinical assessment available to measure head and neck lymphedema. This study proposes the use of a tape measurement system and the MoistureMeterD (MMD) to evaluate head and neck lymphedema. Read More
Reference Publications for the Moisture Meter
Author(s) Delfin Technologies LtdPublication Date 2014-09-04
A list of recerences for the Moisture MeterD Compact including it's use in the assessment of Lymphoedema. Read More
Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) Measurements as a Means of Characterizing Localized Tissue Water in Arms of Women With and Without Breast Cancer Treatment Related Lymphedema.
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Weingrad DN, Davey S.Publication Date 2014-09-01
related lymphedema (BCRL) can aid clinical evaluations. Since BCRL may be initially manifest in skin and subcutis, the earliest changes might best be detected via local tissue water (LTW)measurements that are specifically sensitive to such changes. Read More
Oedema Management in Spinal Cord Injuries
Author(s) Sue Lawrence, Ruth PeachmentPublication Date 2013-11-13
Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are prone to the development of chronic oedema due to gravitational influences on dependent limbs, reduced mobility and therefore reduced muscle pump action. In 2010, a collaborative Clinic commenced between the Occupational Therapy department at the National Spinal Injuries Centre and Lymphoedema Service at Florence Nightingale Hospice, to address this problem and challenge entrenched views of this being an acceptable and inevitable consequence of SCI. Read More
The use of low level light therapy in the treatment of head and neck oedema
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Jane Wigg, James D CarrollPublication Date 2013-11-01
The focus of this article is to present evidence supporting the use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) as a specialist treatment for patients with head and neck oedema. Information obtained from a critique of relevant literature will be utilised to discuss the treatments available for those with head and neck oedema, highlighting how outcomes may be improved and quality of life enhanced, when LLLT is offered as part of a holistic treatment plan. A case study using LLLT is also presented. Read More
Redefining essential care in lymphoedema
Author(s) Jane Wigg, Natalie LeePublication Date 2013-10-24
The awareness, diagnosis and management of chronic oedema and lymphoedema is improving. The enduring treatment format for the condition has always been regarded as the four cornerstones of care for maintenance therapy in the UK. However, with changes in technology, availability of additional treatments and increased research and studies, this baseline is changing. This article outlines some of the recent changes and advancement in diagnostic tools and new technologies used in diagnosing and managing lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Emerging therapies will be introduced, as will other aspects of care that may now be considered essential care in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Read More
Case Study to highlight the use of Haddenham ETO 11P in an extraordinary way.
Author(s) Rebecca ElwellPublication Date 2013-10-11
The increasing numbers of bariatric patients seen in Lymphoedema clinics in the U.K. pose a number of management challenges but one such difficulty is the management of the often seen, lymphoedematous abdomen or apron with associated skin changes and lymphorrhoea. Read More
Can Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurement Aid in Differentiating Lymphoedema from Lipoedema in Women With Swollen Legs?
Author(s) Birkballe S, Jensen MR, Noerregaard S, Gottrup F,Publication Date 2013-08-01
Distinguishing lymphoedema from lipoedema in women with swollen legs can be difficult. Local tissue water content can be quantified using tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements. Read More
Getting the right fit: made-to-measure garments for lymphoedema management
Author(s) Natalie Lee, Jane WiggPublication Date 2013-04-05
The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of custom made compression garments in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Patients often present to therapists with inappropriate, ill-fitting garments that can contribute to an increase in oedema and poor limb shape. Patients frequently report garments as being uncomfortable and therefore intolerable leading to a lack of concordance with wearing garments. The selection and fitting of the correct garment can affect outcomes and the patients quality of life. The focus of this article is to increase the health professionals knowledge and skills in the selection, measurement and fitting of custom made garments to ensure correct fit and increased concordance when compression garments are prescribed. Read More
Selecting Compression Garments For Treating Chronic Oedema
Author(s) Natalie Lee and Jane WiggPublication Date 2012-10-01
The article focuses on the use of compression for chronic oedema and lymphoedema. It will provide information and advice to community nurses to aid the decision making process when selecting compression garments. It will discuss the extensive options available from the Veni range of compression garments for lower limb swelling from Haddenham Healthcare and through case studies demonstrate its versatility in practice. Read More
Validity and Interobserver Agreement of Lower Extremity Local Tissue Water Measurements in Healthy Women Using Tissue Dielectric Constant
Author(s) Jensen MR, Birkballe S, N?rregaard S, Karlsmark T.Publication Date 2012-03-21
Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurement may become an important tool in the clinical evaluation of chronic lower extremity swelling in women; however, several factors are known to influence TDC measurements, and comparative data on healthy lower extremities are few. Read More
Microfine glove and toe caps and their use in lymphoedema management
Author(s) Gail ClosePublication Date 2010-10-01
Lymphoedema garments have progressed in the last 10 years, so gone are the days when only one colour is available (that lovely beige!). How many patients would have to be persuaded to wear their compression hosiery in that desirable colour? Not just have the colours become more acceptable, so have the fabrics. There are a wide range of compression gloves available to the lymphoedema specialist to fit on the patient but that cannot be said of toe caps. The Microfine toe cap is the only one available as an off-the-shelf garment, and when the lymphoedema is deemed to be manageable in these garments, it offers an alternative to flat knit. The Microfine glove and Microfine toe cap are adaptable and can offer colour options and a fabric that is less bulky and fine. It also allows therapists to trim the length of each digit for a better fit without reducing compression. The author will present three case studies of patients that are using. Read More
Case study of scrotal oedema in a 75 year old patient with metastatic cancer of the prostate
Author(s) A. AuthorPublication Date 2009-10-05
There has recently been a lot published about the use of the Whitaker pouch available from Medi UK in the management of scrotal oedema but in clinical practice at the Lymphoedema clinic, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, the ETO 11P scrotal garment available from Haddenham Healthcare has proved to be a suitable alternative. Read More
An evaluation of the use and response of low level laser therapy
Author(s) Jane Wigg, Samantha Hammond and Cheryl WhitePublication Date 2009-10-05
Laser has been used in the management of lymphoedema and other problems for many years. Reported therapeutic effects are softening of tissues, reducing pain and heaviness and improving the immune system (Carati et al 2003, Tadakuma 1993). Thelander and Piller (2000) report improvements in scar tissue and softening as main changes in their initial trials. The UK has been slow to adopt this technology but since gaining its CE registration WLS has commenced this treatment. Read More
Use and response to treatment using low level laser therapy
Author(s) Jane WiggPublication Date 2009-10-01
Laser therapy for lymphoedema treatment has been used internationally for many years but has been slow to be accepted in the UK. The science behind the technique and its effectiveness in reducing fluid viscosity and encouraging motoricity of the lymphatics has been reported (Lievens, 1987; Eliska and Eliskova, 1997). The evaluation reported in this paper observed the response of 12 patients to laser treatment for lymphoedema. All the patients reported a reduction in tissue thickening and 83% of patients noted improvements in range of movement. In addition, 43% of patients saw an improvement in scar appearance. Read More
Gross lymphoedema: A creative approach to successful care
Author(s) Jane WiggPublication Date 2009-08-25
This case report shows the treatment and support needed to assist a patient with gross lymphoedema. The combined treatment approach proved successful with limb volume reduction and an increase in the patients mobility and confidence Read More
Suitability of Single Tissue Dielectric Constant Measurements to Assess Local Tissue Water in Normal and Lymphedematous Skin
Author(s) Mayrovitz HN, Davey S, Shapiro E.Publication Date 2009-02-09
Previous reports described the use of average tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements to assess local tissue water and its change. Our goal was to determine if a single TDC measurement could be used in place of the average of multiple measurements. Read More
LTU-904 Laser Therapy UnitCase Studies
Author(s)Publication Date 2008-01-01
These case studies have been provided by Australian therapists who use the Riancorp LTU-904 laser therapy unit. Each therapist selects laser treatment areas based on the case, the patient and other constraints. We have provided these to give examples of how Australian therapists are using the LTU-904. Read More