Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Bioengineering Human Microvascular Networks in Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: July 11, 2011
Bringing to Light the Invisible Lymphatic Anatomy of the Upper Extremity: Report From the 2024 Harvard Radcliffe
James E Fanning1, Leo L Tsai2,3, Miguel A Amore4
1Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Objective:
To identify vulnerable upper extremity regions in native lymphatic anatomy that predispose women to the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema. In addition, to identify currently available imaging technologies that could be repurposed for in-vivo lymphatic imaging of these anatomic regions and pathways.
Background:
Breast cancer-related lymphedema remains an incurable complication of breast cancer treatment, but improvements to knowledge of upper extremity lymphatic anatomy and imaging can unlock new techniques for prevention and treatment.
Methods:
"Bringing to Light the Invisible Lymphatic Anatomy of the Human Body" was a 2-day accelerator workshop held in May 2024 at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute attended by sixteen experts in lymphatic anatomy and imaging, including 4 lymphatic anatomists, 5 imaging clinicians, 3 lymphatic scientists, and 3 program officers from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
Results:
Collateral pathways of the superficial lymphatic system, perforating lymphatic vessels, and the deep lymphatic system were implicated in preventing or reducing the severity of BCRL. Several strategies were proposed for repurposing existing imaging technology and developing new imaging technology that can improve understanding of the anatomy, function, and connectivity of lymphatic vessels in these 3 regions of the arm.
Conclusion:
Advancements in lymphatic imaging are central to refining our knowledge of lymphatic anatomy. Key challenges to lymphatic imaging are visualization of the deep lymphatic system and perforating lymphatic vessels.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
01:17Veins of Upper Limbs
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
01:15Veins of Lower Limbs
Formed by the union of the medial and lateral plantar veins, the posterior tibial vein, rising through the calf muscle, assimilates the fibular vein. The anterior tibial vein, a superior extension of the foot's dorsalis pedis vein, merges with the posterior tibial vein at the knee,...
01:23Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...
01:16Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...