There is no cure for lymphedema. Creating a treatment plan for lymphedema is a highly individualized process that focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing additional complications.
The Institute for Lymphatic Surgery and Innovation is recognized as a Lymphatic Disease Surgery Center of Excellence (COE) by the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). Our advanced procedures for lymphedema have helped dramatically improve the lives of many of our patients. We specialize in the following lymphedema treatments:
Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB)
Lymphovenous bypass (LVB, also known as LVA) is a minimally invasive technique that connects blocked lymphatic vessels to a neighboring vein. This allows lymph that was obstructed to bypass the damaged lymphatics and exit the limb. It is an outpatient procedure that is often painless. LVB requires supermicrosurgical technique and the latest technologies including ultra high frequency ultrasound and ICG lymphangiography to perform. A microscope at high levels of magnification is used because lymphatic vessels are just a fraction of a millimeter in diameter.
Lymph Node Transplant
Vascularized Lymph Node Transplant (VLNT) is a microsurgical procedure involving transplanting lymph nodes along with their blood supply from one part of the body to the limb with lymphedema. These transplanted nodes have growth factors that stimulate growth of new lymphatic vessels allowing for reduction of lymphedema. VLNT is commonly used to not only treat lymphedema but also pain and contracture under the arm or groin in radiated environments where healthy tissue is needed.
Lymphedema Liposuction
Lymphedema liposuction is a minimally invasive technique to remove excess fat and scar tissue, often performed with lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) or lymph node transfer procedures. The procedure removes excess fat from areas in which excess lymphatic fluid has spilled into tissues and caused the growth of fat stem cells.