Tactile Medical Flexitouch Plus - Chapter 2 The Flexitouch Plus System; Programmed Pressure Levels; System Components

11
12
Customer Service Toll Free: 833.3TACTILE (833.382.2845)
 CHAPTER 2 
The Flexitouch Plus System
The Flexitouch Plus system is an advanced pneumatic compression
device clinically proven to stimulate the lymphatic system. The device
helps direct and move excess uid from an impaired lymphatic
region to healthy regions, where uid can be absorbed and
processed naturally by your body.
Flexitouch Plus garment chambers inate sequentially with each
chamber inating before the adjacent distal chamber fully deates.
This creates a dynamic wave of treatment that directs uid into the
lymphatic capillaries while maintaining distal pressure to prevent
distal backow.
NOTE: No special skills, training or knowledge are required to operate the
Flexitouch Plus system.
2.1 System Components
The Flexitouch Plus system consists of two primary components:
the controller unit and garments.
Controller Unit
The controller unit is a programmable pneumatic compressor with
four connector outlets. Each connector has eight outow ports to
plug in garment hoses. Air passes through the hoses, delivering
treatment through the sequential ination and deation of up to 32
air chambers in the garments. By selecting the appropriate treatment
program, calibrated gradient pressure is delivered to the chambers
and assists in moving excess uid out of the aected limb(s).
Garments
The air-chambered garments are made of soft pliable fabric. They
are designed to t the contours of your body by wrapping around
the limb(s) and attaching with hook and loop fasteners. A variety
of upper and lower extremity treatment options are available to
address your specic needs.
The lower extremity garment(s) are used to treat the leg(s) and core.
Depending on your clinical needs, you may be prescribed a leg
garment (or leg garments), or both a leg garment (or leg garments)
and a trunk garment.
The upper extremity garment(s) and accessories are used to treat the
arm(s), chest and core. Depending on your clinical needs, you may
be prescribed an arm-shoulder garment, a vest garment, a combined
vest/arm(s) garment or a trunk garment.
The head and neck garment and vest(s) for head and neck treatment are
used to treat the head, neck and chest. Depending on your clinical
needs, you may be prescribed a head and neck garment and a vest
garment for head and neck treatment.
2.2 Programmed Pressure Levels
Programmed pressure levels in each of the air chambers are based
on physiological principles of how lymph uid moves through the
system. Your healthcare provider will determine what individual
programs are appropriate for you. In certain medical circumstances,
your healthcare provider may wish to increase or decrease the
pressure settings. The Flexitouch Plus controller unit allows for
selection of INCREASED, NORMAL or DECREASED pressure settings.
If additional pressure adjustment is needed, individual treatment
segments may be adjusted manually.
NOTE: Please consult with your healthcare provider before changing
the pressure settings.
Refer to Appendix A: Clinician-Directed Manual Pressure Adjustment,
for additional information on how to change pressures for the various
treatment segments.
When using the various pressure modes or manually calibrating
segmental pressures, the pressure gradient is maintained throughout
each treatment segment. The most distal garment chambers hold
a level of sustained pressure that is intended to prevent the distal
backow of lymph uid. The treatments are designed only to deliver
clinically appropriate pressures and maintain pressure gradients to
prevent adverse device settings.