Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial of the Circaid® Compression Sleeve Versus Short-stretching Bandage at the Reduction Phase of Upper Limb Lymphatic Edema and Versus Compression Sleeve and Short-stretching Bandages at the Initial Maintenance Phase

During the intensive decongestive treatment phase, which usually takes place in specialized lymphedema treatment departments, the staff are properly trained and have the required experience, but the appliance of these short-length compression bandages requires a lot of time. During the maintenance phase, the appliance of short stretch bandages gives way during the day to the wearing of a compression sleeve which can be put on fairly easily. But during the night, in the absence of a nurse or a spouse with the technical skills required to put them in place, few patients can benefit from the wearing of short stretching bandages. During the maintenance phase, many patients quickly give up these nocturnal bandages, thus losing the gain obtained during the reduction phase. This situation is all the more regrettable that, as shown in the studies, this nocturnal wearing contributes to a very significant reduction in the rate of reappearance of lymphedema and avoids the recurrent need of intensive reduction sessions in hospitals, which are costly for health insurance. and uncomfortable for the patients.

To improve this situation, medi has developed a device called circaid®, consisting of non-elastic bands adjustable and repositionable with "Velcro" systems, which can be used both for the intensive reduction phase but also during the maintenance phase by the patients themselves because of its ease of placement.

It is composed of several inelastic strips or removable straps, parallel and overlapping slightly to leave no crease and no space between them. Velcro tabs or fasteners help ensure proper initial positioning and readjustment as the arm volume is reduced. This gives a given pressure by tightening or loosening each band while limiting friction and discomfort. In the intensive reduction phase, its ease of use reduces the time devoted by nurses to the use of short stretching tapes which, in addition to the need for good technique, requires a significant amount of time. In the maintenance phase, this original and comfortable compression device allows the patient to become autonomous after minimal learning. The simplicity of the introduction of the system on the limb and the calibration of the delivered pressure allows to develop the self management of the treatment, because it is possible to reposition the bands as and when the decrease of the edema, which makes it possible to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. The ability to instantly readjust the circaid®Juxtafit system allows to constantly apply the right level of pressure delivered, to reduce the volume of the limb. This is not possible with a traditional multilayer bandage if the different layers are not completely remove. A visual calibrator ensures the right level of pressure delivered at all times.

In addition to efficiency, patients' quality of life is improved by being able to remove and return it on their own, making it easier to wash or dress. Similarly, less rigid while being just as compressive, it allows a better comfort in the daily gestures and in particular to have a normal range of arm flexion movements more compatible with driving than the wearing of tapes.

The product is currently marketed in many countries and is reimbursed in the following countries: United States, Quebec, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Austria in the indication of the treatment of lymphedema.