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Swelling is the most common symptom of extremities lymphedema. Clinical evaluation and laboratory analysis were conducted after far infrared radiation (FIR) treatment on the main four components of lymphedema: fluid, fat, protein, and hyaluronan. Far infrared radiation is a kind of hyperthermia therapy with several and additional benefits as well as promoting microcirculation flow and improving collateral lymph circumfluence. Although FIR therapy has been applied for several years on thousands of lymphedema patients, there are still few studies that have reported the biological effects of FIR on lymphatic tissue. In this research, we investigate the effects of far infrared rays on the major components of lymphatic tissue. Then, we explore the effectiveness and safety of FIR as a promising treatment modality of lymphedema. A total of 32 patients affected by lymphedema in stage II and III were treated between January 2015 and January 2016 at our department. After therapy, a significant decrease of limb circumference measurements was noted and improving of quality of life was registered. Laboratory examination showed the treatment can also decrease the deposition of fluid, fat, hyaluronan, and protein, improving the swelling condition. We believe FIR treatment could be considered as both an alternative monotherapy and a useful adjunctive to the conservative or surgical lymphedema procedures. Furthermore, the real and significant biological effects of FIR represent possible future applications in wide range of the medical field.

• The AVF/AVG must be fully exposed (not covered with anything) to FIR
• The FIR emitter should be placed 20~30 cm from the skin surface, directly above the AVF/AVG
• Using FIR for 40 minutes during each hemodialysis session, and finishing the treatment 1 hour before the end of hemodialysis session.
•  Daily FIR therapy is recommended for daily care and acquiring best results.

FIR is suitable for all HD patients, and is especially effective for the following patients:

• New HD patients that just done the AVF/AVG surgery
• Patients with low access blood flow
• Patients with steal syndrome
• Patients showing early signs of stenosis

Yes, FIR has been proven that it is able to improve PTA-unassisted patency in patients with AVG, and also clinically, improvements of access blood flow and dialysis venous pressure were observed on most AV graft patients after a few weeks.

• New HD patients that just done the AVF/AVG surgery
•  Patients with low access blood flow
•  Patients with steal syndrome
•  Patients showing early signs of stenosis

The best time for HD patient to begin FIR therapy is during the maturation period. If a patient begins daily FIR therapy after AVF surgery, not only will the surgery wound heal faster, the AVF will also mature sooner and better (2~3 weeks with daily use). In addition, the AVF is also likely to remain patent (free of stenosis and thrombosis) for longer.

• Patients with low access blood flow
• Patients with steal syndrome
• Patients showing early signs of stenosis