Neil Piller - Research

Research

Piller’s research occurs mainly in the form of clinical trials, with the majority of them examining the ways of providing targeted treatment for lymphoedema that can be performed by health professionals (in the clinic environment) and patients and their partners/carers (in their homes) – thus better empowering the patient. The most recent trials have focused on bras (and underwear) and of their potential negative effect on worsening breast oedema, seroma reduction and electrical and mechanical stimulation of lymphatic function. In 2009 Piller was invited to Parliament by Health Minister John Hill to talk about lymphoedema, his research and of the ways of dealing with it.

He has also had a long and strong interest in bringing evidence and objectively into the assessment and treatment and targeting of treatment on lymphoedemas and in association with members of the Biomedical Engineering group at FMC has pioneered the development of tissue tonometry and tissue indurometry aimed at providing objective measures of the status of lymphoedema and of the effect of treatment on it. In this respect Piller is a board member of the Flinders University Medical Devices Partnering Program group aimed at facilitating development of Flinders Medical Technologies across the University.