Those decompression chambers used for divers with “the bends” are finding another use. Researchers in the UK are treating lymphedema with high-pressure oxygen. Lymphedema can result when irradiated lymph nodes block the return of lymph from the extremities; patients are left with debilitating swollen arms or legs. The BBC reports on Dr. John Yarnold’s new clinical trial:
“Patients cured of breast cancer by treatments that include radiotherapy to the armpit may be left with a life-long legacy of arm swelling.
“This is thought to be due to narrowing of lymphatic vessels that drain tissue fluid out of the arm, rather in the same way that veins drain blood…
“For many decades, this complication has been assumed to be inevitably progressive and irreversible, but our recent research suggests that the condition might be improved by high-pressure oxygen therapy…
“One of the ideas we are looking into is that high-pressure oxygen may stimulate the growth of new lymphatic channels as well as lead to a reduction in scar tissues surrounding existing lymphatic channels in the armpit.”
More from Dr. Yarnold’s published abstract…
