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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
Lymphatic vessel function and lymphatic growth factor secretion after microvascular lymph node transfer in lymphedema
Tiina P Viitanen1, Mikko T Visuri1, Pauliina Hartiala1
1Department of Plastic and General Surgery, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Turku, Finland; and Cleft Unit, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Microvascular lymph node transfer shows promise for lymphedema treatment, improving lymphatic drainage and reducing limb swelling. This technique may also decrease infection risk and relieve neuropathic pain in patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
- Lymphedema Treatment
Background:
- Microvascular lymph node transfer is a potential treatment for lymphedema.
- Lymphatic growth factor (VEGF-C) secreted by transferred nodes may promote lymphatic growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of microvascular lymph node transfer in lymphedema patients.
- To investigate VEGF-C secretion following lymph node transfer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 19 patients undergoing lymph node transfer (2007-2012).
- Assessment of lymphatic function via lymphoscintigraphy (transport index) and limb circumference.
- Measurement of VEGF-C in axillary seroma fluid.
Main Results:
- Improved transport index in 7/19 patients.
- Reduced limb circumference in 12/19 patients.
- Decreased infection episodes in patients with prior erysipelas (6/7).
- Pain relief in all patients with neuropathic pain (5/5).
- VEGF-C detected in seroma fluid post-transfer.
Conclusions:
- Lymph node flap reconstruction offers unique possibilities for lymphatic restoration.
- Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of this technique.
- VEGF-C production may be influenced by factors beyond transferred lymph nodes.
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