Lymphatic Anastomosis Coupling Device for Lymphedema Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for breast cancer-related lymphedema, such as physical therapy and surgical procedures like lymphovenous bypass and lymph node transfer, do not provide a definitive cure, and existing surgical techniques like Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventative Healing Approach (LYMPHA) face challenges in visualizing and bypassing healthy lymphatic channels post-axillary lymph node dissection, leading to variable and often high rates of lymphedema development.

Innovation Solution

A device that enables the intussusception of lymphatic channels of different sizes into a single vein, facilitating the LYMPHA procedure by improving speed and stability of anastomosis, using biocompatible materials and visualization techniques like dye injection for lymphatic mapping, and employing coupling elements with tissue grasping features to securely attach lymphatic channels to veins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional end-to-end or end-to-side anastomotic techniques are used to connect lymphatic channels to veins, then vessels of similar caliber can be connected, but the procedure is time-consuming and has variable success rates due to size mismatch and visualization challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanastomosis success rateVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary component that mediates the connection between lymphatic channels and veins. The device includes a first coupling element that receives the vein and a second coupling element that receives the lymphatic channel, with a connector element joining them. This intermediary structure enables secure attachment despite size mismatches between vessels, improving anastomosis reliability while reducing procedure time through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple lymphatic channels are bypassed individually using traditional techniques, then each channel can be connected to a vein, but the procedure becomes increasingly complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channels bypassed per procedureVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables multiple lymphatic channels to be bypassed through a single integrated coupling device. The first coupling element can receive a vein while the second coupling element accommodates multiple lymphatic channels, allowing simultaneous connection of several channels to one vein. This merging approach increases productivity by enabling multiple bypasses in one procedure while reducing overall complexity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If blue dye injection is used to visualize lymphatic channels, then channel location can be identified, but the visualization is insufficient for precise bypass planning and execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelymphatic channel visualizationVSAvoidbypass placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs blue dye injection to induce color changes in lymphatic channels for enhanced visualization. The dye accumulates in the lymphatic system, causing channels to appear blue and making them easily distinguishable from surrounding tissues. This color enhancement improves detection capability during surgery, enabling precise identification and mapping of channels for accurate bypass placement with the coupling device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device significantly reduces the rate of lymphedema development after axillary lymph node dissection, improving the effectiveness of the LYMPHA procedure by allowing multiple lymphatic channels to be coupled into a single vein, thereby enhancing lymph fluid transport and reducing swelling.

Implementation Method 1

all other previously described lymphatic and vascular anastomotic devices require vessels of similar caliber to be connected in an end-to-end manner or an end to side manner for a size discrepancy. Preferred embodiments as described herein enable the intussusception of one or more lymphatic channels of significantly different size into a single vein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntussusception:

Implementation Method 2

A technique for identifying these lymphatics can use an injection of blue dye into the ipsilateral proximal upper arm to visualize location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDye injection visualization:

Implementation Method 3

employing coupling elements with tissue grasping features to securely attach lymphatic channels to veins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTissue grasping:

Data Source

PatentUS20220354499A1Lymphatic anastomosis devices and methods

Publication Date: 2022.11.10 BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENT INC

AI summary

Preferred embodiments relate to devices for performing a lymphovenous bypass procedure. A first ring is secured to tissue connected to at least one lymphatic channel of a patient and a second ring is attached to a vein of the patient. An end of the lymphatic channel that extends through the first ring is inserted into an open end of the vein and the rings are connected together to establish fluid flow from the lymphatic channel into the vein.