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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 23, 2026

A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice

A Revised Method for Inducing Secondary Lymphedema in the Hindlimb of Mice

Published on: November 2, 2019

Reverse lymphatic mapping: a new technique for maximizing safety in vascularized lymph node transfer.

Joseph H Dayan¹, Erez Dayan, Mark L Smith

¹New York, N.Y. From Beth Israel Medical Center.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

|October 7, 2014

Summary

Reverse lymphatic mapping identifies lymph nodes draining the trunk, not extremities, during vascularized lymph node transfer. This technique helps minimize the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema in patients.

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Last Updated: Apr 23, 2026

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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse

Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse

Published on: March 8, 2013

Area of Science:

Plastic Surgery
Surgical Innovation
Lymphedema Management

Background:

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a reconstructive procedure.
Iatrogenic lymphedema is a potential complication of lymph node removal.
Identifying specific lymphatic drainage patterns is crucial for minimizing iatrogenic lymphedema.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and evaluate the reverse lymphatic mapping technique for VLNT.
To differentiate lymph nodes draining the trunk from those draining the extremities.
To reduce the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema by avoiding the harvest of extremity-draining lymph nodes.

Main Methods:

Prospective study involving patients undergoing VLNT.
Utilized reverse lymphatic mapping with technetium and indocyanine green injections.
Gamma probe used to localize and quantify lymphatic drainage from extremity sentinel nodes.
Lymph node flaps were harvested based on physiologic drainage patterns of the trunk.

Main Results:

Thirty-five patients underwent VLNT (19 groin, 16 axillary) using reverse lymphatic mapping.
Mean 10-second gamma probe counts for lymph node flaps were significantly lower (88.6) than for extremity sentinel nodes (2462).
Lymph node flap signal strength averaged 6.0% of extremity sentinel node signal strength.

Conclusions:

Reverse lymphatic mapping effectively guides the harvest of lymph node flaps based on trunk and limb physiologic drainage.
This technique demonstrates potential in minimizing the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema following VLNT.