Can a smarter sleeve beat lymphedema?
NCT ID NCT07613931
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a new compression pattern in a leg sleeve device (Flexitouch Plus) moves lymph fluid better than the current version. Five adults with leg lymphedema will receive both treatments in separate visits, and doctors will measure how far and how often lymph travels using a special dye. The goal is to see if the updated firmware improves fluid drainage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Advanced pneumatic compression device (Flexitouch Plus) with novel multi-chamber firmware
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a more effective way to manage lymphedema swelling using improved compression technology.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 5 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The new firmware might not improve lymph flow as hoped.
Why investors are watching
Tactile Medical is testing whether a revised firmware for its Flexitouch Plus device improves lymph movement in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. For a small company whose main product is this compression device, a positive result could strengthen its position in the lymphedema market. The trial is tiny, with only 5 participants, so it is an early signal rather than a definitive proof.
If it works: A positive result could show that the new firmware meaningfully improves lymphatic function, giving Tactile Medical a reason to pursue a larger study and potentially a product upgrade. That could help the company differentiate its device from competitors.
If it fails: The trial could fail to show a clear improvement, or the small sample size could produce inconclusive data. Trials at this stage often fail, and a weak result could delay any product update and leave the company without a new selling point.
AI-written from the trial record. Speculative, and not investment advice.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 5 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2026
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years of age or older 2. A diagnosis of active lower extremity lymphedema, as assessed by medical history 3. Participant is a candidate for APCD treatment per the Flexitouch Plus indications for use 4. Must be able to provide informed consent prior to study participation 5. Willing and able to comply with the study protocol requirements and all study-related visit requirements Exclusion Criteria: 1. Heart failure (acute pulmonary edema, decompensated acute heart failure) 2. Acute venous disease (acute thrombophlebitis, acute deep venous thrombosis, acute pulmonary embolism) 3. Severe peripheral artery disease (critical limb ischemia, including ischemic rest pain, arterial wounds or gangrene) 4. Active skin or limb infection/inflammatory disease (acute cellulitis, other uncontrolled skin or untreated inflammatory skin disease) on the trunk or lower extremities 5. Active cancer or metastasis in the lower extremity lymphatic watersheds 6. Eczema, rash, scarring, or extensive tattoos at imaging sites 7. Participant is pregnant or trying to become pregnant 8. Participants with a history of allergy to iodides, who may be susceptible to iodine present in ICG formulation 9. Patients exhibiting Grade 3 or higher on the CTCAE v6.0 superficial soft tissue fibrosis scale 10. Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥40 11. Participants unable to recline on their backs for up to 60 consecutive minutes and walk in place or tolerate assisted lower extremity movement for 5 minutes
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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UTHealth Houston (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Pedaling away swelling: could cycling boost leg lymphedema treatment?
- Breathing exercises may boost leg lymphedema treatment
- Sound waves could ease chronic leg swelling
- Is manual lymph drainage essential for leg swelling? new study investigates
- Virtual reality steps in to help lymphedema patients walk better
- Aerobic exercise may boost mobility in leg lymphedema patients