There exists a need to improve limb volumetric measurements performed by medical
practitioners, such as physical therapists and nurse practitioners, to reduce the time, minimize variability, and enhance the accuracy associated with circumferential tape measurement, which would enable lymphedema patients to maximize the time dedicated to their therapy and/or consultation.
Background
Lymphedema exists when the lymphatic system fails to remove lymph fluid from the body, leading to swelling of limbs. This limb swelling is caused by the interstitial accumulation of protein-rich fluid that leads to adipose tissue hypertrophy and fibrosis. Based on the degree of severity of each type of lymphedema, patients will be diagnosed with either minimal, moderate, or severe lymphedema.
Regular volumetric measurements allow medical practitioners to accurately monitor the progression of lymphedema in the body and help clinicians assess the effectiveness of treatment plans, such as physical therapy or surgery. However, current volumetric measurement methods, such as circumferential techniques, bioimpedance spectroscopy, and water displacement, are time-intensive, inaccurate, and highly irreproducible, making adequate diagnosis of lymphedema at different stages difficult and sometimes leading to differing results between medical practitioners.