Enhancing lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage to vascularized lymph nodes with nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds. Issue 7 (11th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Chin‐Yu; Tinhofer, Ines E.; Nguyen, Dung; Cheng, Ming‐Huei
• Is Part Of: Journal of surgical oncology. Volume 126:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1169
• Page End: 1175
• Publication Date: 2022-08-11
• Subjects: BioBridge -- hind limb lymphedema -- lymphangiogenesis -- vascularized lymph node transfer; Cancer -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1002/jso.27058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4790

Abstract

Abstract: Background: This study investigated the effect of nanofibrillar collagen scaffold (BioBridge) implantation from the affected limb to the unaffected contralateral femoral vein or lymph node in a rat model. Methods: Hind limb lymphedema in Lewis rats was created with lymphadenectomy and inguinal circumcision without radiation. The volumetric difference (greater than 5%) using computed tomography and indocyanine green fluorescence evaluated the progress of lymphedema at 4 weeks. The lymphedema rats have separated into Group I: Controls; Group II: implanted BioBridge to the contralateral femoral vein; and Group III: implanted BioBridge to the contralateral inguinal lymph node. Results: A total of 14 of 30 (46.7%) rats developed hind limb lymphedema with a mean volume difference of 5.83 ± 0.99% and showed diffuse dermal backflow at 4 weeks postlymphadenectomy. Four weeks postimplantation of BioBridge, the mean volumetric difference was 5.62 ± 2.11%, 4.97 ± 0.59%, and −2.47 ± 2.37% in Group I, II, and III, respectively ( p < 0.05). The dermal backflow on the affected limb increased in Groups I and II but decreased in Group III. Conclusions: Implantation of BioBridge from the affected limb to the contralateral inguinal lymph node significantly reduced the hind limb lymphedema at 4 weeks.