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Custom-Made
Pressure Garments for Primary and Secondary
Lymphedema |
Comfort &
Function
LYMPHEDEMA is
a chronic swelling of specific areas of the body due
to damage to the lymph system. Lymph fluid, a protein
rich fluid collects in the tissues when the lymph
system is compromised. Protein in the tissues attract
additional water and swelling results.
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Primary
Lymphedema which
occurs as a result of a genetic mishap while the
fetus is in utero. This will usually
present at birth or early childhood, but in some
cases in adulthood. |
| Secondary
Lymphedema occurs as the result of
damage to the lymphatic vessels usually
traumatic injury, surgery involving lymph nodes,
radiation therapy post-cancer, or the cancer
itself. |
It is believed
that thirty percent of all breast cancer survivors who
undergo lymph node resection and radiation therapy
will develop lymphedema.
THE PURPOSE of
the lymph system is to filter out waste products in
the body. Lymph fluid is predominantly protein, water
and large molecular fats, and other waste products,
including bacteria and viruses. It is the body’s
sewage system. Left untreated, the build up of
stagnated lymph fluid in the tissues is not only
painful, it leads to localized and systemic infections
including cellulitis.
There is no cure
for lymphedema at this time. It is considered a life-long condition. Treatment of the condition and
education for patient self-care are essential to
lymphedema management.
BIO-CONCEPTS supports
a five-step lymphedema management program:
 Manual
Lymph Drainage, a light touch massage which clears
the lymph paths and stimulates the movement of trapped
lymph fluid.
Compression
Bandaging with condition-specific bandages and
foam inserts to force excess water back into
the blood stream and soften fibrotic
tissues.
Therapeutic
Exercises geared to the individual patient’s
abilities to promote lymph drainage and optimize range
of motion and increase physical strength.
Custom
Pressure Garments to be worn daily for support.
Applying appropriate pressure to maintain the
reduction of lymph fluid in the affected area.
Patient
Compliance includes a comfortable and functional
pressure garment.
OUR
POST-MASTECTOMY custom-made
compression sleeve and glove features the following:
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Sleeve to
Axilla with a silicone-lined band at the top,
posterior expansion panel of soft high-stretch
fabric, and an anterior elbow insert of the same
stretch fabric. |
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The sleeve
is overlapped by a custom glove with open or
closed finger tips which omits the tight and
restrictive band at the wrist. |
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The sleeve
and glove together combine to form a comfortable
and functional pump to gently push lymph fluid
from the extremity to collection nodes closer to
the torso |
Numerous custom
configurations are not only feasible, but recommended
depending upon the diagnosis and therapy regime.
BIO-CONCEPTS
has worked closely with lymphedema specialists to
develop a protocol for lymphedema garment design that
meet the individual needs of your patients. Gloves may
be made without wrist bands and may also be designed
to complement the sleeve instead of compounding the
pressure. Options such as elbow and finger inserts,
expansion panels and Silon-TEX lined proximal bands
ensure a custom fit. With five different materials and
30 different colors we have more to offer your
patients.
BIO-CONCEPTS
specializes in custom service and custom care. Tell us
how you want it and we’ll do what we can to make it
happen.
We have
developed a protocol for lymphedema garments. Let us
help you give your patients the custom support they
deserve.
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