Open AccessHead and Neck Lymphedema: Treatment Response to Single and Multiple Sessions of Advanced Pneumatic Compression Therapy
Author(s) -
Gutierrez Carolina,
Karni Ron J.,
Naqvi Syed,
Aldrich Melissa B.,
Zhu Banghe,
Morrow J. Rodney,
SevickMuraca Eva M.,
Rasmussen John C.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599818823180
Subject(s) - backflow , medicine , lymphatic system , lymphedema , swallowing , head and neck , compression (physics) , head and neck cancer , compression therapy , surgery , radiology , cancer , radiation therapy , pathology , mechanical engineering , materials science , breast cancer , engineering , composite material , inlet
Ten head and neck cancer survivors diagnosed with head and neck lymphedema (HNL) were imaged using near‐infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) prior to and immediately after an initial advance pneumatic compression device treatment and again after 2 weeks of daily at‐home use. Images assessed the impact of pneumatic compression therapy on lymphatic drainage. Facial composite measurement scores assessed reduction/increase in external swelling, and survey results were obtained. After a single pneumatic compression treatment, NIRFLI showed enhanced lymphatic uptake and drainage in all subjects. After 2 weeks of daily treatment, areas of dermal backflow disappeared or were reduced in 6 of 8 subjects presenting with backflow. In general, reductions in facial composite measurement scores tracked with reductions in backflow and subject‐reported improvements; however, studies are needed to determine whether longer treatment durations can be impactful and whether advanced pneumatic compression can be used to ameliorate backflow characteristic of HNL.