Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
The mechanism of vascularized lymph node transfer for lymphedema: natural lymphaticovenous drainage
Ming-Huei Cheng1, Jung-Ju Huang, Chih-Wei Wu
1Taoyuan, Taiwan; Austin, Texas; and Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg, Germany From the Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine; Seton Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery; Department of Hand and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center; and Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Heidelberg.
Background:
Vascularized lymph node flap transfer for the treatment of upper and lower limb lymphedema has had promising results. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of lymph drainage of a vascularized lymph node flap both experimentally and clinically.
Methods:
In the experimental study, 18 Sprague-Dawley rats were used to create 36 flaps, either a groin lymph node flap or an abdominal cutaneous flap that did not contain lymph nodes. Indocyanine green dye was injected into the edge of 12 lymph node flaps, directly into a lymph node of 12 lymph node flaps, and into the edge of 12 cutaneous flaps. In the clinical study, an identical study design was used, with 24 vascularized lymph node flaps and 12 cutaneous flaps not containing lymph nodes.
Results:
Experimentally, fluorescence was detected in the pedicle vein after a mean latency period of 153 ± 129 seconds when the edge of the lymph node flap was injected and 12.8 ± 8.1 seconds when the lymph node was directly injected. Fluorescence was not detected in the pedicle vein of the cutaneous flaps (p < 0.01). Clinically, fluorescence was detected in the pedicle vein after a mean latency period of 346 ± 249 seconds when the edge of the lymph node flap was injected and 23.5 ± 27.1 seconds when the lymph node was directly injected. Fluorescence was not detected in the pedicle vein of the cutaneous flaps (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
The vascularized lymph node flap drains lymph into the pedicle vein, both experimentally and clinically.
Clinical Question/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic, V.
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