Nimbl™ the Compact Lymphedema Pump for Legs

Yes, Medicare typically covers pneumatic compression devices for lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency with open leg ulcers, and other similar conditions that affect the lymphatic system. However, patients will need to be prescribed a pneumatic compression device, like Nimbl, by their doctor in order to receive the device. Our team of reimbursement specialists works closely with clinicians, patients, and health plans, including Medicare, Veterans Affairs, and private health plans, to advocate for patients who require lymphedema treatment with a pneumatic compression device.

Pneumatic compression devices, such as Nimbl, promote lymphatic circulation by mimicking the body’s natural muscle pump to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid and remove stagnant interstitial fluid that has built up in the body’s tissues. In a clinical setting, pneumatic compression devices offer several outcome-based advantages, such as:

• Reduced swelling: Sequential compression promotes the flow of fluid out of the affected limb or area, decreasing limb volume and improving patient comfort and mobility.
• Improved tissue health: PCDs help encourage wound healing and tissue repair, which helps decrease the risk of infection and recurrent wounds, such as venous ulcers.
• Pain management: By promoting lymphatic circulation, patients using PCDs can experience less swelling that causes pain and discomfort in the affected region and enjoy a better quality of life.
• Fewer in-clinic visits: Pneumatic compression devices, such as Nimbl, improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

By incorporating pneumatic compression pumps into treatment plans, clinicians can complement manual therapies, reduce chronic swelling, and provide patients with a reliable at-home tool to manage symptoms of lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency.

Nimbl pneumatic compression pumps can help clinicians treat a range of lymphatic disorders that impact the body, including:

• Venous insufficiency: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the leading cause of lymphedema in the United States, and occurs when an individual’s valves in the veins fail to function properly. This valve malfunction causes fluid to pool in the affected region, typically the legs, resulting in swelling and skin changes. Nimbl pneumatic compression devices improve venous return, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Chronic edema: Patients experiencing chronic swelling can benefit from Nimbl, as it gently directs fluid away from the affected area to relieve swelling and prevent fluid buildup.
• Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition that can be either inherited or present at birth, known as primary lymphedema, or caused by a disruption to the lymphatic system due to factors such as cancer, surgery, injury, blood clots, venous insufficiency, or obesity, known as secondary lymphedema. Lymphedema causes fluid to build up in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling, pain, and other unique skin changes. Pneumatic compression devices are designed to mimic manual lymphatic drainage by applying sequential air pressure, which encourages lymphatic drainage.
• Wound healing: Persistent swelling from lymphedema, CVI, and similar conditions can impede lymphatic circulation, causing chronic wounds, such as venous ulcers. These open wounds can increase a patient’s risk of infection, including cellulitis. Nimbl pneumatic compression devices help encourage lymphatic flow, creating a healthier environment for wound healing and decreasing risk of infection.

Yes, Nimbl pneumatic compression devices are available to treat the arms and legs. Nimbl is comprised of a lightweight controller with a simple, two-button interface. The arm and leg garments are available in two lengths: short and long. Extenders to add width to the leg garment are also available. The multi-chamber garments help patients receive tailored therapy depending on their anatomy and diagnosis.

Yes, there are several contraindications clinicians should consider before prescribing Nimbl, such as:

• Active/uncontrolled heart failure, such as acute pulmonary edema or decompensated acute heart failure
• Acute venous disease, including acute thrombophlebitis, acute deep venous thrombosis, and acute pulmonary embolism
• Severe peripheral artery disease, such as critical limb ischemia, including ischemic rest pain, arterial wounds, or gangrene
• Active skin or limb infection or inflammatory disease, such as acute cellulitis or other uncontrolled skin or untreated inflammatory skin disease
• Active cancer that is currently under treatment but not yet in remission
• Any circumstance where increased lymphatic or venous return is undesirable

Both manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and pneumatic compression devices are typically part of a patient’s complete decongestive therapy plan. PCDs can complement MLD by providing consistent active compression therapy at home.