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A new lymphedema treatment using pyro-drive jet injection
Megumi Nishiyama1, Yuko Sakaguchi2, Sayuri Morito1
1Division of Pathology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, Saga, 849-8501, Japan.
Human Cell
|January 13, 2024
Summary
Pyro-drive jet injection (PJI) effectively reduced limb swelling in lymphedema models by creating pathways for fluid drainage. This novel technique shows promise for managing lymphedema and promoting lymphatic vessel regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Lymphedema, characterized by impaired lymphatic drainage, leads to debilitating limb swelling, inflammation, and fibrosis.
- Current lymphedema treatments lack standardization and universal effectiveness, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
- Secondary lymphedema often arises post-lymph node dissection, highlighting the need for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of pyro-drive jet injection (PJI) in ameliorating lymphedema symptoms and promoting tissue regeneration.
- To investigate PJI's impact on interstitial fluid drainage, lymphatic vessel density, and vascularization in a lymphedema model.
- To assess the modulation of key tissue remodeling factors, including CTGF and VEGF-C, following PJI treatment.
Main Methods:
- A novel pyro-drive jet injection (PJI) technique was employed to create artificial clefts in collagen fibers for enhanced interstitial fluid removal.
- Lactated Ringer's solution and air were injected into the affected limbs of an animal model with secondary skin edema.
- Edema was quantified using micro-CT scanning, while histopathological analysis assessed inflammation, fibrosis, neovascularization, and the expression of CTGF and VEGF-C.
Main Results:
- PJI significantly reduced soft tissue volume and inflammatory granulation tissue in lymphedema-affected limbs.
- Treatment resulted in enhanced lymphatic vessel density and increased α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive small vessels.
- PJI effectively decreased the prevalence of CTGF- and VEGF-C-positive cells in the regenerative tissue, indicating improved tissue remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Pyro-drive jet injection (PJI) demonstrates significant potential in ameliorating interstitial edema and promoting lymphatic and vascular regeneration in lymphedema.
- The minimally invasive nature and ease of application suggest PJI could serve as an early, standard preventative measure for lymphedema.
- PJI offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for lymphedema management, applicable in general clinical settings.
