SVU 2025 Annual Conference Lymphovenous Connections Session-Lymphovenous Connections Session

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Wei Chen, a leading reconstructive microsurgeon at Cleveland Clinic, delivered a comprehensive lecture on advancements in lymphatic super microsurgery and its applications in lymphedema treatment. He detailed the evolution from traditional lymph node transplant—problematic due to donor site morbidity and cosmetic issues—to more refined techniques such as vascularized lymph vessel transplant and lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA). Dr. Chen emphasized that LVA, once considered effective only for early-stage lymphedema, now addresses a broad spectrum of fluid-based lymphedema severities with fewer complications.<br /><br />He introduced the novel lymph node-to-vein anastomosis (LNVA) approach, which bypasses entire lymphosomes, enhancing therapeutic potency while being less invasive. Dr. Chen highlighted the critical role of advanced imaging—ultrasound, indocyanine green lymphography, and 3D stereolithography—in precise surgical planning and lymph node selection, with augmented reality further facilitating surgical accuracy.<br /><br />Robotic super microsurgery was presented as the future frontier, enabling superior precision, tremor elimination, and access to sub-0.1mm vessels, potentially transforming training and outcomes. Importantly, Dr. Chen connected lymphatic surgery to neurologic disorders, outlining how enhancing brain lymphatic drainage via cervical lymphatic surgeries could impact diseases like Alzheimer's.<br /><br />Throughout, he stressed the importance of multidisciplinary care, non-surgical lymphedema treatments, and referrals for advanced cases. Surgical innovation aims to reduce immunogenic risks and donor injury. In response to audience questions, he endorsed surgery for advanced lymphedema, discussed surgeon considerations for anastomotic complications, and explained why lymphatic transplantation in organ donors remains unfeasible. Dr. Chen concluded by inviting ultrasonographers to join this evolving field, underscoring the critical team effort in advancing lymphatic health.

Keywords

lymphatic super microsurgery

lymphedema treatment

vascularized lymph vessel transplant

lymphaticovenous anastomosis

lymph node-to-vein anastomosis

advanced imaging

robotic super microsurgery

neurologic disorders

multidisciplinary care

surgical innovation