Neuromuscular stimulation for kidney transplant patients

Kidney Transplants: How Neuromuscular Stimulation Beats Edema and Improves Blood Flow

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 3 min read.

"New research shows neuromuscular stimulation is more effective than compression devices for kidney and pancreas transplant recipients dealing with lower limb edema and blood flow issues."

Kidney and pancreas transplants can bring a new lease on life, but they also come with a unique set of challenges during recovery. One common issue is lower limb edema—swelling in the legs and feet due to fluid buildup. This happens because the body undergoes significant fluid shifts after surgery.

To combat this edema, doctors often use intermittent compression (IPC) devices, which squeeze the legs to encourage fluid movement. However, these devices can be cumbersome and may not always be effective for everyone. Now, there's a promising alternative on the horizon: neuromuscular stimulation.

A recent study has explored the use of the Geko Plus device, a small, internally powered calf stimulator, in transplant patients. This device has already shown potential in improving blood flow, and researchers wanted to see how it stacked up against traditional IPC methods in reducing edema.

The Science Behind the Study: Comparing Neuromuscular Stimulation to IPC

Neuromuscular stimulation for kidney transplant patients

Researchers at Western University in London, Ontario, conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study to compare the effectiveness of IPC and the Geko Plus device. They recruited 30 patients undergoing kidney or pancreas transplants and randomly assigned them to one of two groups:

Group 1: Wore IPC devices (n=16)
Group 2: Used the Geko Plus device (n=14)

Both groups used their assigned devices postoperatively until Day 6 after surgery. Throughout this period, the researchers meticulously tracked several key indicators: Patient weight, Lower leg and thigh circumferences, Blood flow in the allograft and lower limbs using Ultrasound Doppler and Total urine output and serum creatinine levels

The Verdict: Neuromuscular Stimulation Takes the Lead

This study marks a significant step forward in post-transplant care. By demonstrating the superiority of neuromuscular stimulation over standard compression devices, it offers a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. As research continues and the Geko Plus device becomes more widely available, we can anticipate a future where transplant recipients experience smoother, more comfortable recoveries.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is lower limb edema, and why does it occur after a kidney or pancreas transplant?

Lower limb edema, characterized by swelling in the legs and feet, occurs due to fluid buildup following kidney or pancreas transplant surgery. This swelling is a common challenge during the recovery period as the body undergoes significant fluid shifts.

What are intermittent compression (IPC) devices, and how are they used to treat edema?

Intermittent compression (IPC) devices are used to combat lower limb edema by squeezing the legs, which encourages fluid movement. These devices aim to reduce swelling by promoting better circulation. However, they can be cumbersome and may not always be effective for all patients.

What is neuromuscular stimulation, and how does the Geko Plus device help with edema and blood flow?

Neuromuscular stimulation, specifically using the Geko Plus device, offers an alternative approach to managing lower limb edema. The Geko Plus device is a small calf stimulator that improves blood flow. It has shown superiority over intermittent compression (IPC) devices in reducing edema and improving blood flow post-transplant.

How did the study compare intermittent compression (IPC) to the Geko Plus device in transplant patients?

The study compared intermittent compression (IPC) devices with the Geko Plus device in kidney and pancreas transplant recipients. Researchers tracked patient weight, lower leg and thigh circumferences, blood flow in the allograft and lower limbs using Ultrasound Doppler, and total urine output and serum creatinine levels to determine the effectiveness of each method.

What were the main findings of the study regarding neuromuscular stimulation versus compression devices?

The study results indicate that neuromuscular stimulation using the Geko Plus device is more effective than intermittent compression (IPC) devices in reducing lower limb edema and improving blood flow in kidney and pancreas transplant patients. This suggests that the Geko Plus device could lead to smoother and more comfortable recoveries for transplant recipients.