Lymphatic and venous disorders often have profound implications for patients and their families. Caring for patients with edema is a complex task requiring input from many specialists. To meet these challenges, the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic treatments for adults and children with

• primary and secondary lymphedema
• vascular anomalies
• chronic venous insufficiency
• venous thrombosis
• chloys reflux
• evaluations of non healing vascular wounds
• vascular disorders

An extensive clinical and basic research program with ongoing clinical trials makes the Stanford center unique among the few other U.S. programs that offer therapy for lymphedema.

Program Goals

• Maximal edema reduction and restoration of normal limb volume
• Optimal skin care and maintenance of normal texture
• Reduction of the risk of recurrent infection
• Maximal restoration of limb function
• Patient education to foster independent maintenance of limb health

Program Highlights

• State of the art imaging
• Thorough, complex diagnostic evaluation of lymphatic and venous disorders
• Prescription of individualized treatment protocols, using state-of-the-art physiotherapy administered by Vodder-, Lerner-, and Leduc-trained community based therapists with extensive clinical background in the treatment of lymphedema
• Multidisciplinary therapeutic options, including the availability of advanced and experimental options.

Treatment Components

• Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy:
  
  
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A specialized massage technique that stimulates lymphatic flow and has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection. Our therapists can reduce edema in areas not readily accessible to compression devices and garments (head, chest, shoulder, back, flank, and groin). The massage techniques are also effective in the promotion of wound healing and the restoration of normal skin texture.
    
  • Compression Bandaging: Special short-stretch bandages are applied in a specific manner to provide a pressure gradient that reduces edema volume.
    
  • Decongestive Exercises: Simple muscular exercises promote venous and lymphatic flow.
    
  • Meticulous Skin Care: Assessment and maintenance of skin integrity is a central issue in the care of patients with lymphedema.
    
  • Patient Education: Our nurses give patients and families extensive home-care instruction. Home maintenance is critical to management of these chronic conditions. Self-administered manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, use of compression garments (and devices, as needed), a home exercise program, and skin care techniques are all taught during treatment at the center. Therapy of posthrombotic syndrome/chronic venous insufficiency involves an individualized program that incorporates many of these principles.
    
• Other compressive methods and devices
  
  
  • Compressive Garments: Custom-fitted sleeves, stockings, and other garments are utilized to maintain long-term reductions in limb volume (Elvarex available).
    
  • Exercise: Group and individual exercise programs promote strength and increased motion.
    
  • Other devices: Pneumatic sequential pumps, the Reid sleeve, the Legacy sleeve, and the CircAid device are all available for use in an individually prescribed manner.
• Surgical and catheter-based interventions where feasible and appropriate