A lymphatic pump apparatus for use under the thoracic cage of a human patient in a supine position. The apparatus comprises a mat which supports a pair of longitudinal lifting members positioned to be parallel to and on opposite sides of the spine under the angle of the ribs. The apparatus provides intermittent rib cage excursion, or anterior displacement of the ribs, to assist and increase lymphatic flow. Enhancement of lymphatic flow is beneficial in numerous disease states characterized by capillary leak and abnormal excursion of fluids and proteins into the interstitial spaces.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/365,681, entitled "Lymphatic Pump Apparatus," filed Mar. 18, 2002, now abandoned, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
