Wound Healing and Edema Reduction with Lympha Press® PCD-51™

Clinical Case Report

A clinical case from Denmark describes the progress of a 52-year-old woman with bilateral leg edema and persistent wounds of the right lower leg following the introduction of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) with the Lympha Press® PCD-51™ as part of her treatment plan.

Just four days after starting IPC, her clinical record showed a 2 cm reduction in ankle edema, together with reduced leakage from the lower leg. Over the following months, further improvements were recorded, and by March 2017, the wounds were documented as healed.

Patient Background

The patient, a 52-year-old bus driver, was referred to a nursing clinic at the end of 2016 with:

• Bilateral leg edema
• Wounds on the right lower leg
• A history of erysipelas
• Stasis eczema
• Excess body weight

She reported that she was unable to use compression stockings.

According to the case record, previous management had included wound care, multilayer bandaging, and compression stockings, without successful wound healing. Stasis eczema was treated with steroid ointment.

Introducing Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

On December 8, 2016, intermittent pneumatic compression was initiated using a Lympha Press® 4-chamber system with thigh-high garments on both legs.

Treatment began at:

• 40 mmHg
• 30 minutes per session
• Pressure increased gradually according to the treatment plan

The patient was advised that pneumatic compression should be used as part of her broader compression-management plan.

The current Lympha Press® PCD-51™ is designed to deliver sequential pneumatic compression and can be used with Lympha Press® 4- or 8-chamber garments.

Explore the Lympha Press® 4/8 Chamber Leg Garment.

Early Changes: 4 Days After Starting IPC

By December 12, only four days after starting treatment, the clinical record showed a:

2 CM REDUCTION IN ANKLE EDEMA

Reduced leakage from the lower leg was also observed.

The patient additionally reported:

• Less heaviness and fatigue in the legs
• A more relaxed feeling in the legs
• Improved walking tolerance

These changes in heaviness, fatigue, and walking ability were patient-reported outcomes.

Progressing to Daily Home-Oriented Treatment

By December 16, treatment had gradually progressed to:

60 mmHg

1 HOUR PER DAY

Approximately one month after IPC was introduced, further changes were recorded.

Fluid was no longer leaking from the areas affected by stasis dermatitis, while the wounds appeared less red and less scaly.

Following this progress, the patient was approved for a permanent Lympha Press® 4-chamber system with two full-leg garments for continued treatment at home.

March 2017: Wounds Documented as Healed

The patient continued using the Lympha Press® system at home as part of her ongoing management.

At the March 2017 follow-up, approximately 3 months after IPC treatment began:

THE WOUNDS WERE DOCUMENTED AS HEALED

Treatment at the nursing clinic was subsequently completed.

Clinical Progress at a Glance

After 4 days

• 2 cm reduction in ankle edema
• Reduced lower-leg leakage
• Patient-reported reduction in heaviness and fatigue
• Patient-reported improvement in walking tolerance

After approximately 1 month

• No further fluid leakage from areas affected by stasis dermatitis
• Less redness
• Less scaling of the wounds

By March 2017, approximately 3 months after starting IPC

• Wounds documented as healed
• Nursing-clinic treatment completed

The Role of Compression in Venous Edema and Wound Management

Persistent lower-leg edema, skin changes, and venous ulcers can occur in people with impaired venous circulation. Managing edema is therefore an important part of the broader approach to venous disease and wound care.

Intermittent pneumatic compression uses controlled cycles of external pressure to support fluid movement and venous return. The Lympha Press® PCD-51™ provides sequential pneumatic compression and is indicated for conditions including venous insufficiency and venous stasis ulcers.

For more information about the condition and its management, visit our guide to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

This case illustrates the clinical progress observed after IPC was introduced into the patient's care. It should not be interpreted as evidence that pneumatic compression alone was responsible for wound healing. Wound care and compression management should be individualized and guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

Case Source

Case study courtesy of Apodan A/S, Denmark.

Clinical case documentation: December 2016–March 2017.

Explore additional Lympha Press® Clinical Research on pneumatic compression therapy, lymphedema, venous disease, and chronic wounds.