Pneumatic Compression Device for Lymphedema Treatment

Fluidix Poster - Julia Brockhouse.pdf

Each year, about 1 in 1000 Americans suffer from lymphedema, which is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin that causes swelling and discomfort. Treatment for lymphedema is focused on reducing swelling, and involves exercise, wrapping, massage, compression, and in some cases, surgery. While lymphedema pump devices have been proven to reduce swelling through at-home usage, they do not match the superior effectiveness of lymphatic massages delivered by physical therapists, the standard they aim to replicate. Such suboptimal efficiency extends the amount of time patients must spend in each pump treatment session. Given that inactivity worsens lymphedema, this highlights a significant flaw in current lymphedema pump devices. Here, we propose a pneumatic pump device that meets optimal pressure standards to push fluid back into lymphatic vessels through sequential pumping distally to proximally, and also closely mimics the massage technique used by physical therapists by replicating front-to-back compression. Sequential inflation of six bladders will push lymph from foot to groin and back into the lymphatic system. The bladders will be segmented, such that inflation begins in the back of the leg and gradually reaches the front. Pressure sensors embedded in the sleeve of the device will allow precise measurement of the applied pressure and subsequent adjustment in the degree of inflation in order to deliver optimal pressure, accounting for variable patient dimensions. This design is simultaneously adjustable and effective, allowing patient-directed treatment without compromise of quality.

Julia Brockhouse

Julia Brockhouse is a senior undergraduate from Omaha, Nebraska majoring in Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Biology. She plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis as a Biomedical Engineering Ph.D student in the fall. Her other interests including reading, singing, and enjoying the outdoors.

Ryan Hilty

Ryan Hilty is a senior from Mokena, IL, studying for a Biomedical Engineering degree on the pre-health track at SLU. He has been very involved with several school groups throughout his time at SLU including leading shifts for Campus Kitchen for several semesters and captaining the club ultimate frisbee team during his fourth year of playing. Academically, Ryan is a part of the pre-dental club and has shadowed dental students at the Center for Advanced Dental Education building on SLU’s south campus. Ryan will be attending dental school at Marquette University starting this August.

Saloni Shringarpure

Saloni Shringarpure is a senior from St. Louis, MO, studying Biomedical Engineering at SLU. She has been involved in many medically-related activities and is an undergraduate research assistant in a musculoskeletal tissue engineering lab. In her free time, she enjoys reading, sketching, and playing badminton.

Jessica Robinson

Jessica Robinson (she/her/hers) is a senior undergraduate student from St. Louis, MO studying biomedical engineering. Her research interests during her time at SLU have included regenerative engineering and medical imaging. After graduation, she plans to stay in St. Louis working for Peraton Inc. as a Quality Assurance Engineer Associate in Image Science.

Ether Dharmesh

Ether Dharmesh is a senior undergraduate from St. Louis studying biomedical engineering. She will be attending the MD-PhD program at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine on the bioengineering track to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. Her other interests include painting, reading, and learning languages.

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