How to Use the Jobst Pump Machine

Lymph, a clear fluid that flows through the human body, helps cleanse it of excess protein and waste. Women who've had radiation treatment for breast cancer and people who've suffered from infections, post-surgery complications or traumatic injury may all develop lymphedema. This chronic condition obstructs the flow of lymph fluid in an extremity, causing it to swell. While there's no known cure for lymphedema, it can be controlled by bandaging, compression garments and the use of an extremity pump, to aid lymph flow in the affected region. Jobst manufactures a number of pump machines designed to increase lymph circulation in lymphedema patients.

Things You'll Need

• Jobst intermittent compression pump
• Leg or arm pneumatic appliance
• Compression stocking or gauntlet
• Pillows

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Instructions

• 1

  Lie down on a bed or sofa in a quiet area. Put the pump machine on a flat surface. Attach extra tubing to the back of the machine if you are using a Jobst 7500 pump and treating two extremities simultaneously.

• 2

  Slip on the compression sleeve. Jobst brand pump machines are attached to an inflatable boot (for leg lymphedema) or gauntlet ( for arm lymphedema).These garments come in short, medium and long lengths for a proper fit. These garments are sometimes referred to as "pneumatic appliances" by medical professionals. The patient places their extremity inside the nylon-covered sleeve, zips it up, and plugs in a wire that connects to the pump machine.

• 3

  Elevate the limb or limbs on a pillow. Be sure that the extremity is raised above heart level. This will help increase both the lymph and venous flow while you use the machine.

• 4

  Turn on the machine. Adjust the settings as prescribed by a physician. According to Lymphedema People, patients should use the pump for two hours in the morning and two hour before bedtime. Certain Jobst pump models are set to a minute and a half of inflation followed by 30 seconds of deflation while others have to be set manually.

• 5

  Place a graduated compression stocking or gauntlet on the affected extremity after treatment. A medical stocking or a sleeve helps the extremity retain its shape after a pump machine treatment. These compression garments should be worn all day when not bathing or using the Jobst pump machine and taken off at bedtime.