Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders

Stanley G.  Rockson, MD
Director of Stanford Lymphedema Center

The Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders represents a unique program at Stanford that provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment for patients that have acute and chronic edema. The physicians in the Center are prepared to address the complex diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that often accompany disorders of the lymphatic and venous circulation. The Stanford Center also provides services for patients with dysplastic, proliferative, and other developmental abnormalities of the vascular system, including the lymphatic and venous sytems. This center is under the direction of Stanley Rockson, M.D., who serves as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lymphatic Research Foundation (LRF) and is a member of the trans-NIH Coordinating Committee for Lymphatic Research.

Lymphatic and venous disorders often have profound implications for patients and their families. Caring for patients with edema is a complex task  that requires input from many specialists. To meet these challenges, the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for adults and children with primary and secondary lymphedema, vascular anomalies, chronic venous insufficiency, or the need for wound care. 

This center combines the best of the Stanford Lymphedema Center with the respected Aurora Clinic in San Francisco. An extensive research program makes the Stanford Center unique among the few other U.S. programs that offer therapy for lymphedema.

Program Goals

• Maximal edema reduction and restoration of normal limb volume
• Optimal skin care and maintenance of normal texture
• Reduction of the risk of recurrent infection
• Maximal restoration of limb function
• Patient education to foster independent maintenance of limb health

Program Highlights

• Thorough, complex diagnostic evaluation of lymphatic and venous disorders
• Individualized treatment protocols, using state-of-the-art physiotherapy. administered by Vodder-, Lerner-, and Leduc-trained staff with extensive clinical background in the treatment of lymphedema.
• Multidisciplinary therapeutic options, including the availability of state-of-the-art and experimental options

Treatment components

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

A specialized massage technique that stimulates lymphatic flow  and has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection. Our therapists can reduce edema in areas not readily accessible to compression devices and garments (head, chest, shoulder, back, flank, and groin). The massage techniques are also effective in the promotion of wound healing and the restoration of normal skin texture.

Compression Bandaging

Special short-stretch bandages are applied in a specific manner to provide a pressure gradient that reduces edema volume.

Decongestive Exercises

Simple muscular exercises promote venous and lymphatic flow.

Meticulous Skin Care

Assessment and maintenance of skin integrity is a central issue in the care of patients with lymphedema.

Patient Education

Patients and families are given extensive home care teaching. Home maintenance is critical to management of these chronic conditions. Self-administered manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, use of compression garments (and devices, as needed), a home exercise program, and skin care techniques are all taught during treatment at the center.

Therapy of posthrombotic syndrome/chronic venous insufficiency involves an individualized program that incorporates many of these principles.

Other compressive methods and devices

Compressive Garments

Custom-fitted sleeves, stockings, and other garments are utilized to  maintain long term reductions in limb volume (Elvarex available).

Exercise

Group and individual exercise programs for strength and  increased motion.

Other devices

Pneumatic sequential pumps, the Reid sleeve, the Legacy sleeve, and the CircAid device are all available for use in an individually prescribed manner.

Staff

Stanley G. Rockson MD, Director of the Lymphedema Center

John Cooke MD, Ph.D.
Cardiovascular Medicine

Judy Leydig, PT
Lori Ligouri, PTA
Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

Contact Information

If you or your patient can benefit from this service, please call the Cardiovascular Clinic to schedule an evaluation:

Phone (650) 723-6459
Fax (650) 723-8392

For questions about the treatment program, please call the Treatment Center:
Phone (650) 498-6921
Fax ( 650) 498-7906