The Hydromechanics of Edema Fluid in Lymphedematous Lower Limb During Intermittent Pneumatic Compression

This article presents results of computer simulations of the hydro-mechanical processes in the lymphedematous tissue under stress of a single chamber of sleeve for pneumatic compression. The discussion was focused on parameters of compression as pressures and inflation times to squeeze out the mobile tissue fluid from the edematous tissue. Simulations have predicted that the process of squeezing of tissue fluid is strongly dependent on the pressure in chamber and time of its action. The simulations showed that the values of loads and time applied in currently used pneumatic compression systems are not sufficient to force complete outflow of mobile fluid and pressure dissipation in limb swollen soft tissues. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2014.