Clinical Evaluation of a Device for Treatment of Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity

Description

Lymphedema is a painful and disfiguring condition related to the buildup of protein-rich fluid in the body's tissues. The goal of this research study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel, proprietary device in the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema. This device has been previously studied on healthy people that do not have a diagnosis of lymphedema. It was found that using the device on them does not cause significant changes to their vital signs or level of pain. Side effects are reported sometimes; however, these are to be expected and are also frequently reported when people receive the standard of care for their lymphedema. Patients who have diagnosed lymphedema will be approached to participate in this study as part of their care. Participants will wear this device for approximately 40 minutes and then have certain measurements taken before and after doing so. These measurements include the size of their arm, how much pain/discomfort they are currently in, and if they experienced any side effects. After getting treatment with the device, they will receive the standard of care treatment for their lymphedema from their provider. After the standard of care has concluded, the previously mentioned measurements will be repeated. This data will be put together and analyzed to look for differences in arm size before and after treatment with the device as well as to look for the prevalence of side effects.

Conditions

Lymphedema, Lymphedema Arm, Lymphedema of Upper Arm

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Lymphedema is a painful and disfiguring condition related to the buildup of protein-rich fluid in the body's tissues. The goal of this research study is to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel, proprietary device in the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema. This device has been previously studied on healthy people that do not have a diagnosis of lymphedema. It was found that using the device on them does not cause significant changes to their vital signs or level of pain. Side effects are reported sometimes; however, these are to be expected and are also frequently reported when people receive the standard of care for their lymphedema. Patients who have diagnosed lymphedema will be approached to participate in this study as part of their care. Participants will wear this device for approximately 40 minutes and then have certain measurements taken before and after doing so. These measurements include the size of their arm, how much pain/discomfort they are currently in, and if they experienced any side effects. After getting treatment with the device, they will receive the standard of care treatment for their lymphedema from their provider. After the standard of care has concluded, the previously mentioned measurements will be repeated. This data will be put together and analyzed to look for differences in arm size before and after treatment with the device as well as to look for the prevalence of side effects.

Clinical Evaluation of a Device for Treatment of Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity

Clinical Evaluation of a Device for Treatment of Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity

Condition
Lymphedema
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Roanoke

Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia, United States, 24014

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18 years of age or older
  • * Clinical diagnosis of lymphedema
  • * Receiving current, once weekly, lymphedema treatment by Physical Therapist(PT)/Occupational Therapist (OT)
  • * Participants must have the ability to provide consent for themselves
  • * Active infection
  • * Active cancer (not in remission)
  • * Diagnosis of/past medical history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
  • * Active phlebitis
  • * Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • * Previous severe trauma (i.e. requiring extensive corrective surgery)
  • * History of vascular surgery
  • * Lesions of the skin or weeping in the treatment area

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Carilion Clinic,

Ralph Brown, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Carilion Clinic

Study Record Dates

2025-05-01