Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy of Lower Limb Lymphedema

Abstract

Lymphedema is defined as non-pitting; brawny extremity edema can arise from lymph stasis alone and by the unremitting accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the extracellular matrix. Components of lymphatic system are made up of organs and lymphatic tissue, this includes organs like the spleen and thymus and also lymphatic tissue like lymphatic capillaries, vessels and nodes. Lymph capillaries display both “open” and “closed (tight)” endothelial junctions, often with prominent convolutions. Depending on the extent of tissue “activity,” these capillaries can dramatically adjust their shape and lumen size. Functions of the lymphatic system are draining of interstitial fluid, fighting infection and Transporting lipids. In brief, the distribution of fluid between the blood vascular compartment and tissues and the net flux of plasma escaping from the blood stream depends primarily on the trans capillary balance of hydrostatic and protein osmotic pressure gradients as modified by the character (i.e., hydraulic conductance) of the filtering microvascular surface.