Compression pumps were at one time a standard of treatment for lymphedema. These older types referred to as pneumatic compression devices consist of an inflatable garment for the arm, leg, or foot and an electrical pneumatic pump that fills the garment with compressed air. The garment is intermittently inflated and deflated with cycle times and pressures that vary between devices.
Due to complications and possible further damage to existing lymphatics, many patients and medical professionals are no longer in favor of using the old standard compression units.
Today, there is a new generation of pumps that act sequentially,
with less pressure being applied. These newer devices also referred to as intermittent pneumatic compression devices. They may be utilized over the lower leg or the plantar region of the foot.
