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Novel Wireless Bioimpedance Device for Segmental Lymphedema Analysis Post Dual-Site Free Vascularized Lymph Node
Chang-Cheng Chang1,2,3, Wei-Ling Jan1, Cheng-Huei Juan4
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404332, Taiwan.
Insights
A new wireless bioimpedance device effectively monitors fluid changes after lymph node transfer surgery. It shows significant bioimpedance increases in affected limbs, aiding lymphedema management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Lymphedema Research
Background:
- Lymphedema management requires accurate monitoring of fluid status.
- Dual-site free vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a surgical option for severe lymphedema.
- Objective quantitative assessment of post-VLNT changes is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an innovative wireless bioimpedance analysis device.
- To assess its efficacy in monitoring interstitial fluid alterations after dual-site free VLNT.
- To correlate bioimpedance changes with follow-up time in lymphedema patients.
Main Methods:
- A wireless bioimpedance device was developed and tested.
- Seven patients undergoing dual-site free VLNT and 10 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Bioimpedance was measured in affected and unaffected limbs at various postoperative intervals using 1 kHz and 10 kHz currents.
Main Results:
- Affected proximal limbs showed significant bioimpedance increase at 6 months post-surgery (10 kHz).
- Affected distal limbs demonstrated significant bioimpedance increases at multiple time points post-surgery for both 1 kHz and 10 kHz currents.
- Bioimpedance alterations in the distal limb correlated significantly with follow-up duration (10 kHz).
Conclusions:
- The wireless bioimpedance device can quantitatively monitor interstitial fluid changes.
- This technology is suitable for real-time postoperative surveillance of lymphedema patients.
- The device aids in evaluating the effectiveness of dual-site free VLNT.
Abstract:
An innovative wireless device for bioimpedance analysis was developed for post-dual-site free vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) evaluation. Seven patients received dual-site free VLNT for unilateral upper or lower limb lymphedema. A total of 10 healthy college students were enrolled in the healthy control group. The device was applied to the affected and unaffected limbs to assess segmental alterations in bioimpedance. The affected proximal limb showed a significant increase in bioimpedance at postoperative sixth month (3.3 [2.8, 3.6], p = 0.001) with 10 kHz currents for better penetration, although the difference was not significant (3.3 [3.3, 3.8]) at 1 kHz. The bioimpedance of the affected distal limb significantly increased after dual-site free VLNT surgery, whether passing with the 1 kHz (1.6 [0.7, 3.4], p = 0.030, postoperative first month; 2.8 [1.0, 4.2], p = 0.027, postoperative third month; and 1.3 [1.3, 3.4], p = 0.009, postoperative sixth month) or 10 kHz current ((1.4 [0.5, 2.7], p = 0.049, postoperative first month; 3.2 [0.9, 6.3], p = 0.003, postoperative third month; and 3.6 [2.5, 4.1], p < 0.001, postoperative sixth month). Bioimpedance alterations on the affected distal limb were significantly correlated with follow-up time (rho = 0.456, p = 0.029 detected at 10 kHz). This bioimpedance wireless device could quantitatively monitor the interstitial fluid alterations, which is suitable for postoperative real-time surveillance.
