# Efficacy of Airbo·Wave in Nighttime Compression for Leg Lymphedema

## TL;DR

This study found that Airbo·Wave EV1 helps reduce skin hardness in the calf area for people with leg lymphedema and supports nonadherent patients in continuing therapy.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the efficacy of Airbo·Wave EV1 in nighttime compression therapy for leg lymphedema, particularly for nonadherent patients.

## Key findings

- Skin hardness in the lower calf decreased mildly in 22 patients using Airbo·Wave EV1.
- Nonadherent patients who used Airbo·Wave EV1 showed reduced leg volume and skin hardness.
- Airbo·Wave EV1 was found to be a safe and effective option for nighttime compression therapy.

## Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the efficacy of Airbo·Wave EV1 in nighttime compression therapy as part of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) for leg lymphedema.

Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients with leg lymphedema who used Airbo·Wave EV1 between April 2021 and September 2022. In these patients, the changes in leg volume and skin hardness were assessed using a scale ranging from 1 (softest) to 7 (hardest), and dermal thickness before and after the use of Airbo·Wave EV1 was evaluated.

Results: Twenty-two patients used Airbo·Wave EV1 for nighttime compression in CDT. Their skin hardness in the lower calf decreased mildly (mean scale: before, 3.9; after, 3.6 [p <0.05]), but the leg volume and skin thickness were unchanged. Eleven patients who were nonadherent could restart compression therapy by using Airbo·Wave EV1. Their skin hardness in the medial lower calf (before, 5.1; after, 4.3 [p <0.05]), leg volume (before, 8412 mL; after, 8191 mL [p <0.01]), and skin thickness in the medial and lateral lower leg were reduced.

Conclusion: Airbo·Wave EV1 could improve skin hardness in the calf area. Moreover, it is a safe procedure for the nonadherent while reducing leg volume reasonably.