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79 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
What is included under the term "lymphatic load"?
- proteins
- water
- cells
- fat
Where do deep collectors travel?
along arteries and veins (while superficial/initial and intermediate vessels are much more finite)
what structures represent the beginning of the lymphatic system?
initial lymph vessels

- the lymph system is an open system
What do the anchoring filaments do?
enable the lymph capillaries to stay open even under high tissue pressure
What happens when interstitial fluid accumulates and the tissue pressure increases (think of the open capillaries)?
the stretched anchoring filaments will cause a pull on the endothelial cells resulting in an open junction between the cells
how does lymph fluid absorbed into the initial lymph vessel system reach the lymph collectors?
via the precollectors
The anatomical structure of the bigger lymph collectors is similar to that of _______?
blood vessels
Which lymph nodes receive lymph fluid from the upper extremities?
- axillary lymph nodes and the skin of the thorax (anterior AND posterior)
What drains into the the inguinal lymph nodes?
abdominal, lumbar, and gluteal areas as well as exterior genitalia and lower extremity
The RUQ drains through the _______.
R lymphatic duct
The LUQ and b/l legs drain into the _______.
thoracic duct
What portion of the body drains into the R lymphatic duct?
RUQ
What portion of the body drains into the thoracic duct?
LUQ and b/l legs
__________ gland drains for the most part into axillary lymph nodes.
mammary glands drain into the axillary lymph nodes
Name 3 drainage areas in the trunk for lymph fluid.
1. axillary lymph nodes
2. parasternal
3. supraclavicular
Metastases in which lymph nodes can affect the brachial plexus? What sorts of symptoms might occur?
- metastases (OR RADIATION) in the axillary or supraclavicular lymph nodes can affect the brachial plexus

- result in paresthesias, pareses or paralysis in the UEs
What do anastamoses do for the lymph drainage?
they redirect fluid in different areas along these watershed "areas"
What is secondary lymphedema caused by?
caused by CA (radiation, chemo to the tissue) which affects the lymph nodes
Which lymph nodes do we not want to stimulate after cancer or radiation?
do not stimulate injured lymph nodes or massage them which will direct all the fluids to one place
What is the most common cause of lymphedema in the lower extremity than dissection or radiation (which are secondary causes)?
congenital malformations of the lymphatic system which results in primary lymphedema
What are the 4 components to complete decongestive therapy?
1. MLD (manual lymph drainage)
2. compression bandages
3. decongestive exercises
4. skin care
What are the two phases of treatment for lymphedema?
- re-education
- maintanence
What is the goal of phase I of lymphedema treatment (intensive phase)?
mobilize accumulated protein-rich fluid

reduction of fibrosclerotic tissue (if present)
What is the goal of phase II of lymphedema treatment?
preserve and improve success achieved in phase 1
What is the overall goal of lymphedema therapy?
bring lymphedema back to a stage of latency
What does a problem with a lymph node present as?
the ipislateral trunk as well as the UE is affected
How does primary vs. secondary lymphedema present in the LE?
primary: swelling begins distally

secondary: swelling starts at the injury site, gravity takes hold and eventually the whole arm swells if action is not taken
What is phlebolymphedema/
d/t chronic venous insufficiency
What are common problems with patients who have lymphedema vs. other forms of swelling?
1. how it feels (tissue gets hard with lymphedema vs. CHF or acute ankle sprain)

2. + stemmer sign (indication of lymphedema -- skin stays up when pinched)
What would we do if we find our patient is having a significant cellulitis attack (very red)?
not treat her, refer her to MD

- no MLD with infection, need 7 days of anti-biotics
Why are any signs of cellulitis a significant concern?
the patient could go septic quickly
Is surgery a common practice to help treat lymphedema?
no, it has adverse side effects and does not look appealing
What are pneumatic compression pumps?
multi-chambered sequential compression pumps known to have negative effects on lymphedema (causing extreme fibrosis/scarring, cysts, fistulas, and genital swelling)
What is complete decompressive therapy?
non-invasive, highly effective lymphedema treatment
When can elastic support garments be used?
after complete decompression
Are medications effective for treating lymphedema?
dieuretics are NOT effective for treating lymphedema d/t the increased proteins, the meds will take up the water and leave the proteins

- the tissue will be even more fibrotic after the water is reabsorbed
What are the 5 common lymphedema treatments in the US?
1. pneumatic compression pumps
2. surgery
3. complete decompressive therapy (CDT)
4. elastic support garments
5. medications
What are advantages to using a pneumatic compression pump?
can be used at home

fast application
What are disadvantages to using a pneumatic compression pump?
- genital swelling
- disregards ipsilateral trunk
- does not work on CT and scar tisssue (phase 2, 3)
- machine can traumatize functioning lymph vessels
What amount of pressure does it take to shut down the lymph system?
40-60 mmHg
What is the Flexitouch?
addresses the proximal trunk 1st, clearing pathway, then moves distally on to the extremity and finally proximally again (always directing fluid proximally)
What are the components of CDT (complete decongestive therapy) and MLD (manual lymph drainage)?
1. skin/nail care
2. MLD
3. compressive therapy
4. decongestive exercises
What are the effects of compression therapy (bandaging/stockings)?
1. reduction of ultrafiltration rate
2. improvement of efficiency of the muscle and joint pump
3. prevents the reaccumulation of evacuated fluid

BANDAGES ONLY: breaks up deposits of accumulated scar and connective tissue
Should we use long stretch or short stretch bandages and why?
short stretch: have a high working pressure and low resting pressure

long stretch (Ace): low working pressure and high resting pressure

**short stretch won't give as much when exercising where Ace bandages do
What are risk factors to developing lymphedema?
- infection
- traumatic injury
- surgical removal of a lymph node and adjacent lymph nodes
- radiation therapy
- obesity
- age, integrity of lymphatic system
What are precautions for a patient who's at risk for developing lymphedema?
1. avoid trauma/strain to affected extremity
2. avoid BP measurements, needle sticks, sunburn, insect bites, abrasions, or rigorous use
3. pressure changes (airplanes)
What is the prognosis for a patient with lymphedema?
very good with treatment and maintenence

very poor for uncontrolled lymphedema
What is the only thing proven to decrease swelling?
bandages are the only thing shown to decrease swelling while compression garments only maintain what we've worked for
What are the 6 goals of lymphedema treatment?
1. utilize remaining and intact lymph vessels
2. decongest swollen body part
3. eliminate fibrotic tissue
4. avoid re-accumulation of lymph fluid
5. prevent/eliminate infections (skin care)
6. maintain a normal/near normal size of limb
What is LTV (lymph time volume)?
amount of lymphatic loads transported by the lymphatic system in a period of time
What is the transport capacity?
= to the maximum lymph time volume (the amount of lymph a healthy lymphatic system is able to transport utilizing its max frequency and amplitue)
What is a lymphatic safety factor?
if the lymphatic system reacts to an increased lymphatic load with an increase in lymph time volume (transport capacity of lymphatic load is much higher than the actual lymphatic load)
Do we usually treat dynamic insufficiency/high volume insufficiency?
no, this occurs when the lymphatic load exceeds the transport capacity of the lymphatic system

fluid accumulates in the interstitial tissue causing edema
What sort of conditions cause dynamic insufficiency/high volume insufficiency?
caused by insufficience venous return (CHF, standing too long, pregnancy)

- MLD and CDT is not indicated because with acute CHF, lymphedema treatment pushes the edema back to the heart, we could put this patient in CARDIAC ARREST!!!

- treat with elevation and exericises, possibly a compression garment
What is mecchanical insufficiency (low volume insufficiency)?
lymph system is diseased and has a reduced transport capacity

not able to cope with normal amount of lymphatic load
What causes mechanical insufficiency (low voume insufficiency)?
- surgery, trauma, radiation, infection, valvular/mural insufficiencies, and malformations of the lymphatic system

- causes lymphedema
What happens with safety valve insufficiency?
lymphatic water or protein and water is increased at the same time as the transport capacity is decreased

- causes serious swelling
- lymphedema patient develops an infection in the lymphedemous area (increased lymphatic loads)
What can cause primary lymphedema?
- congenital malformations
- aplasia (hypo, hyperplasia)
- fibrosis or agenesis of lymph nodes
If under 35 y/o and you have primary lymphedema, what is it called? over 35 y/o?
<35: lymphedema precox
>35: lymphedema tardum
What causes secondary lymphedema?
- dissection/radiation of lymph nodes
- trauma
- chronic inflammation of lymph vessels/nodes (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasites, RA)
- tumors can block pathways
- self-induced with too many rubber bands
How many stages are there for lymphedema?
4
What are the characteristics of the latency stage?
- no swelling
- reduced transport capacity
- "normal" consistency
What is an example of someone who'd be donsidered in the latency stage?
post breast surgery, know they have reduced transport capacity d/t transport system
What are characteristics of stage I (reversible)?
- edema is soft (pitting)
- no secondary tissue changes
- elevation reduces swelling
What are characteristics of the stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible)?
- fibroscelrotic changes
- hardening of the tissue
- frequent infections
What are characteristics of stage 3 (lymphosatic elephantiasis)?
- extreme increase in volume and texture with typical skin changes (papillomas, deep skin folds)
Should MLD/CDT be done in the case of someone with malignant lymphedema?q
it may be applied for palliatve care, but this is a decision to be made with me, Dr. and patient
What are some signs of malignant lymphedema?
- sudden onset
- rapid progression
- pain
- paresthesia
- paresis or paralysis
- skin changes
- dilated superficial veins
What are some typical characteristics of benign lymphedema?
- unilateral (if b/l, the swelling is usually asymmetrical)
- slow progression
- normal skin color
- dorsum of hands and feet are involved (deep natural skin folds)
What are the papillomaswe might see during the stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis)/
decreased immune function, decreased blood flow, decreased nutrient exchange (look like a mushroom head)

HUGE risk for cellulitis**
What is the duration of stage 1 treatment?
2- 3 weeks
What is phase 1 (decongestion) include for stage 1 lymphedema?
- MLD (1-2x/day)
- short stretch bandages
- skin care
- remedial exercises
- patient instruction
What does phase 2 (preserve andmaintain) involve for stage 1?
- MLD if necessary
- compression garments
- skin care
- remedial exercises
What does phase 1 (decongestion) invlove for a patient in stage 2 of lymphedema)?
- MLD 2x/day
- short stretch bandages
- skin care
- remedial exercises
- patient instruction
How long does stage 2 treatment last?
3-4 weeks
What is phase 2 (preserve and maintain) for stage 2 lymphedema?
- MLD as neede (1-2x/week)
- compression garments
- bandaging at night
- skin care
- remedial exercises
- repeat phase 1 (1-2x)
how long des reatment last for stage 3?
4-6 weeks
What does phase 1 (decongestion) include with a patient who has stage 3 lymphedema?
- MLD 2-3x/day
- short stretch bandages
- skin care
- remedial exercises
- patient instruction
What does phase 2 (preserve and maintain) involve for a patient who has stage 3 lymphedema?
- MLD 1-2x/week
- compression garments
- bandages at night
- skin care
- remedial exercises
- repeat phase I 3/4x
- if indicated, plastic surgery