DETAILS

The LymphScanner is a non-invasive handheld device designed to measure the percentage water content (PWC) of human skin. Its primary use is in lymphoedema, particularly after surgery for breast cancer or gynaecological cancers. It can be used from almost invisible, undetectable preclinical lymphoedema to advanced lymphoedema. 

The device, which includes a main unit and an easy-to-clean probe, can be used by healthcare professionals to aid clinical assessment of skin oedema at any soft tissue site on the body. Measurement results are displayed within seconds of the probe being placed on the skin surface. The number of repeated measurements on the same subject is not limited.

The LymphScanner is intended for use by healthcare professionals in professional healthcare settings.

Measuring principle 

The LymphScanner consists of an electronic control unit and an integrated probe for measuring the tissue dielectric constant (TDC) of the measurement site. The device generates a 265 MHz high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) wave and transmits it through the coaxial probe into the skin. The reflected EM wave is recorded. This wave contains information about the water content of the tissue being measured.

The LymphScanner measures TDC, which is a dimensionless physical quantity.

It is known that tissue water has a high dielectric constant, while fat and tissue macromolecules, especially proteins, have a very low dielectric constant. The LymphScanner automatically converts the measured TDC value to the percent water content (PWC) of the measurement site and displays the PWC value. A higher PWC indicates a higher water content.

The LymphScanner can be used in two modes, Spot mode and Scan mode.

The result of a Spot measurement is displayed as PWC and the result of a Scan measurement is displayed as PWC percentage. The PWC ratio can be used for regional assessment of tissue water or to detect local differences (e.g. between arm measurements, ankle and leg measurements, etc.)