LYMPHATIC ANASTOMOSIS DEVICES AND METHODS

Abstract

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.

Claims

1-39. (canceled)

40. A method of performing a lymphovenous bypass surgical procedure comprising: inserting a lymphatic channel coupling device into a surgical opening of a patient; attaching a first coupling device element to tissue that includes a lymphatic channel of a patient; attaching a second coupling device element to a vein of the patient; coupling the lymphatic channel to the vein; and connecting the first coupling device element to the second coupling device element to thereby couple the lymphatic channel to the vein.

41. The method of claim 40 further comprising inserting a plurality of lymphatic channels into the vein of the patient.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein attaching the first coupling device element to tissue further comprises inserting pins on a ring of the first coupling device element into the tissue.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein the lymphatic channel has a smaller diameter then the vein and intercepts the vein by extending a distance into the vein.

44. The method of claim 40, further comprising attaching a plurality of lymphatic channels that are positioned within surrounding tissue to the first coupling device.

45. The method of claim 40, further comprising imaging a region of a patient to generate image data and mapping lymphatic channels in the region.

46. The method of claim 45 further comprising selecting one or more lymphatic channels for a bypass procedure from the mapped image data.

47. The method of claim 40, further comprising inserting the plurality of channels to a depth of at least 1 mm inside the vein.

48. The method of claim 40, further comprising coupling at least 3 lymphatic channels into a single vein.

49. The method of claim 40, further comprising inserting the lymphatic channel to a sidewall of a vein with a vein tributary.

50. The method of claim 40, further comprising measuring a flow of the lymph fluid into the vein or a vein tributary.

51. The method of claim 40, further comprising imaging the coupling of the lymphatic channel into the vein or a vein tributary.

52. The method of claim 40, wherein pins or prongs latch the first coupling element to the second coupling element.

53. The method of claim 40, wherein the lymphatic channel coupling device connects a first lymphatic vessel to a first vein, the method further comprising connecting a second lymphatic vessel to a second vein with a second lymphovenous bypass device.

54. The method of claim 40, wherein the device is implanted into an arm of a patient to treat lymphedema.

55. The method of claim 40, wherein the device is implanted into a leg of a patient.

56. The method of claim 40, further comprising connecting the first coupling element to the second coupling element with a connector.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the connector comprises a housing that encloses a junction in the vein, the lymphatic channels delivering lymph fluid into the vein at the junction.

58. The method of claim 56 wherein the connector comprises a plurality of pins or prongs.

59. The method of claim 40, further comprising a valve that contacts the vein to constrict flow within the vein.

60. The method of claim 40, further comprising robotically performing one or more steps of the method wherein a plurality of robotic arms holding a corresponding plurality of microsurgical tools grasp at least one of the first coupling element and the second coupling element to connect the elements for implantation into a patient.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a coupling device using a pair of rings to align and connect lymphatic channels to a vein or artery.

[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment including a connector element to attach a pair of rings together that couple one or more lymphatic channels to a vein.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a further embodiment including a central tube connected to a ring and an external sheath can be attached to enclose the coupling elements.

[0019] FIG. 2C illustrates a further mechanism for connecting a first coupling element to a second coupling element.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an axillary anatomic region after dissection of level 1 and 2 lymph nodes where lymphatic channels glow from an FITC injection, described hereinafter and the bypass procedure has been performed.

[0021] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the steps of a surgical procedure to perform a bypass surgical procedure in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the lymphatic channel system of the human body wherein a bypass procedure in accordance with the invention can be performed at different locations to reduce lymphedema.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of lymphedema protocols used in conjunction with surgical procedures described herein.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a robotic control system having computerized control of arms with manipulators such that a surgeon can perform procedures in accordance with preferred embodiments hereof.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow diagram for performing a robotically controlled surgical process in accordance with preferred embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates a sensor mounted to a connector device for measuring flow of lymph fluid into the vein.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a valve device for controlling fluid pressure at a junction in the vein at which lymph fluid enters into the vein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention utilize a device for coupling one or more lymphatic channels to the vein of a patient's circulatory system. Shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a coupling device in which a first coupling element 100 comprises a ring with a central opening 109 through which the fatty tissue 104 surrounding the lymphatic channels 106, 108 is drawn over pins, prongs or tissue anchors 102 that face inwards from the inner ring surface towards second coupling element 120. Unlike vascular anastomeric couplers used to connect the ends of two blood vessels, the present invention enables the insertion of one or more lymphatic channels into (i.e., an intussusception) an open end of a blood vessel or vein as there is typically a mismatch in size, one lymphatic channel being substantially smaller than the size of the vein into which it is inserted. Thus, one, two or more lymphatic vessels with channels for flow of lymph fluid can be inserted into a single vein 128, depending on the sizes thereof. Note that blood vessels cannot be inserted into one another as clotting can result in anastomosis failure. Lymph fluid, on the other hand, does not clot. The insertion of lymphatic channel tissue into a blood vessel does not induce such clotting and allows flow of lymph into the vessel without obstruction.

[0029] The components in FIG. 1 can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid compliant, elastic biocompatible material with generally smooth surface features except for the pins, prongs or tissue anchors that are configured to penetrate and grasp tissue. In selected embodiments, the components provide a sutureless tissue connector, however sutures can be used to augment implantation of the device in some embodiments.

[0030] Components of the device can be made using biocompatible materials such as silicone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyesther, polyethylene, polyamide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polypropylene, Mylar, Kevlar, polyisoprene, polyolefin, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The first coupling element can comprise a ring having a larger opening to accommodate a thickness of fatty tissue, such as visceral adipose tissue (containing lymphatic vessels with channels extending through the vessels to transport lymph fluid), to extend therethrough and surround the lymphatic tissue, which consequently does not contact the connector surfaces. Note that ring elements can have other shapes, such as an oval cross-section, or some other shape suitable for a specific anatomical placement in the patient. The outer surface is preferably smooth to avoid abrading adjacent tissue. Lymphatic vessels are thin walled tubular shaped tissue structures that are lined with endothelial cells and comprise smooth muscle that is connected to surrounding tissue with adventitia. Lymphatic capillaries are smaller, without the muscle and adventitia, and range in diameter from 15-75 microns. The larger lymphatic vessels have valves spaced along their length with fluid movement provided by peristalsis to move lymph fluid through the vessel under fluid pressure. Lymphatic collecting vessels have a diameter in a range of 100-200 microns. A vein of the vascular system can have a diameter of 1 mm or more and can be selected to receive two or more lymphatic channels for each vein selected. The present devices and methods can also be used to couple to one or more smaller tributary veins that feed into a larger vein. The inner surface of the central opening in an inner ring can be large enough to allow passage of the vein through the central opening such that the exposed end of the vein can be attached to the second connector. Thus, the second connector 120 can have the inner ring 124, with pins, prongs, or tissue anchors 125 that engage the tissue of the vein 129 that folds over the pins 125. The outer ring 122 has pin receiving regions 126 that receive and engage the ends of pins 102, for example, that protrude above the ring surface at an elevation sufficient to at least engage the tissue. Region 126 can be configured to snap together with at least some of the protruding elements or pins 102 from surface of ring 100 to provide a snap connector. A latching mechanism or other connector can be used to secure the coupling elements together. These features are illustrated in one or more of the figures described herein.

[0032] Note that ring element 124 can be elevated above the surface of ring 122 by one or more millimeters. Peripheral wall 121 can thus have a height of at least 1 mm. This can provide for the insertion of lymphatic channels 106 to be a depth of at least 1 mm into the vein 128, for example. Thus, the relative dimensions of the coupling elements can define a depth of insertion.

[0033] Shown in FIG. 2A is a coupler 200 having a first ring 208 that receives and anchors the vein 220 as described previously, however this mates to a first cone 202 shaped element having an open end that gradually narrows in diameter to a first end to an opening of a small diameter tube 205 where the lymphatic channels 224 are received from second cone 204 that narrows to the second end of tube 205. The wide end of cone 206 is sized and shaped to attach to an inward facing surface of first ring 240, that has pins, prongs or tissue anchors 242 that engage and secure adipose tissue with the lymphatic vessels 224 to the ring 240 wherein the tissue 260 surrounding the lymphatics is folded over the anchors 242 on surface 250, for example. The lymphatic vessels thus enter the open end of cone 206 and pass through a narrow opening into the tube 205 and into the interior 262 of the vein. Note that the embodiment of FIG. 1 can employ a single cone that guides entry of the lymphatic vessels from the open end of the cone through a narrow opening of the cone and into the vein to define the junction at which lymph fluid enters the vein. Returning to FIG. 2A, the second ring 208 can include a first fluoroscopic marker 270, the cone 206 can include a second fluoroscopic marker 272, and second ring 240 can include a third fluoroscopic marker 274, for example, to illustrate the use of markers on the various embodiments described herein. Shown in FIG. 2B is a further embodiment in which first ring 277 can be connected to a second ring 278. Tube 275 is connected to ring 278 by a plurality of arms or connecting elements 279. The tube 275 has an internal cavity in which the vein can be inserted and attached to the tube as described herein.

[0034] The embodiments described herein can be encapsulated within an outer sheath 276 extending around the rings that are aligned along a common axis upon being connected together. The first coupling element or ring can be connected to the second coupling element with one or more connector elements. As described herein, connector elements such as pins, posts or prongs can be used. As shown in FIG. 2C, a plurality of prongs 271, 273 can extend from the first ring to the second ring where inwardly facing protrusions or ridges grasp the outer edge of the second ring. The outer sheath or surfaces of the devices provide a smooth outer surface. Certain elements of the device can be flexible so as to move with the surrounding tissue of the patient. One or more elements of the device can comprise bioabsorbable materials. Selected surfaces may be porous so as to accommodate ingrowth and adhesion to tissue adjacent the device to stabilize the device within the tissue matrix. The length of the tube 275 (or tube 205) can be used to indicate to the user that the length of the lymphatic channels that extend into the vein are sufficiently long to prevent the lymphatic channel from becoming dislodged from the anastomosis. There is a junction region, preferably within the device housing, where the lymphatic vessels deliver lymph fluid into the vein. Note that the first and second coupling elements can optionally be connected on one side so that the user can simply rotate the two components relative to each other around a pivot axis to align and connect the elements while the channels are inserted into the vein. In a further embodiment an outer sheath 276 can be attached to the device that extends around the circumference of the device and thereby enclose the device. The sheath 276 can also comprise portions extending peripherally from each ring that connect together by an sheath connector.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view 284 of the axillary location 280 that includes lymph nodes 282 and a vein 285, that has received a pair of lymphatic vessels 287, 289. Unlike prior procedures which used a suture 286 to secure the channels to the vein 285, the present invention uses a coupler 290 at the junction of the channels 287, 289 entering the vein.

[0036] Shown schematically in FIG. 4 is a method 400 of performing a surgical procedure wherein, for example, a surgeon can perform an incision through the skin to access 402 tissue that includes one or more lymphatic channels. A coupling device is positioned into the patient 404 where a first coupling element is attached 406 to one or more lymphatic channels and a second coupling element is attached 408 to a vein. The first coupling element is connected 410 to a second coupling element such that the one or more lymphatic channels are positioned in the exposed vein opening to a depth such that lymph from the lymphatic channels can flow into the vein. The surgeon then closes 412 the surgical opening such that the coupling device is implanted in the patient. Alternatively, the coupling device can comprise a single tube or ring having pins or tissue anchors on one end to connect to a vein inserted into one open end of the tube. The wall tissue of the vein is placed onto the pins or tissue anchor elements which penetrate the wall tissue to hold the vein in place relative to the device. The lymphatic channels can be inserted through the tube opening at the opposite end and into the vein positioned at least partially within the tube. The tube may have internal features that permit insertion in one end but inhibit removal of the vein. Thus, an inner wall of the tube can have a frictional surface with teeth, pins, or other features directed in one direction to inhibit movement of the vein in the tube. The tube can have external features allowing a loop of material grasping the channels to be attached to the tube.

[0037] Dyes can be used to aid in visualization and mapping of the lymphatic system. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), for example, is excited in the visible spectrum and routinely used in the operating room. Neurosurgeons inject this dye intravenously and utilize microscopes equipped with filter technology to visualize tumors while maintaining life-like color of the surrounding tissues allowing for simultaneous magnification and tissue dissection. This is important for the lymphatic surgeon. Thus FITC can be used in the operating room for lymphatic mapping. Note, further that FITC has been utilized to perform a lymphovenous bypass (LVB) in the superficial tissues of the arm in a patient with chronic lymphedema. FITC is a safe and highly effective dye for lymphatic mapping and dissection in open surgical fields such as in the LYMPHA procedure.

[0038] Lymphedema repository data on all breast cancer patients that underwent the LYMPHA procedure included demographic information (age, body mass index [BMI]) and peri-operative data have been obtained (number of lymphatic channels visualized and bypassed, distance of channels from axillary vein, name of targeted vein, and adverse events).

[0039] In an exemplary procedure (see Spiguel et al. “Fluorescein Isothiocynate: A Novel Application for Lymphatic Surgery”, Annals of Plastic Surgery, Volume 78 (2017), the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference), prior to the ALND, 2 cc of a modified 2% fluorescein solution are injected intradermally and along the muscle fascia of the ipsilateral upper arm, for example. The solution can be modified from the stock AK-FLUOR 10% (Akorn Inc, Lake Forest, IL) solution by diluting 2 cc with 7.5 cc of normal saline and 0.5 cc of AlbuRx5 (CSL Behring Inc, King of Prussia, PA). The ALND is performed with attention to preserving a superficial accessory vein tributary which longitudinally traverses the level I lymph nodes. The superior dissection of the level I axillary contents along the axillary vein is performed with identification of the accessory vein tributary which is typically found anterior to the thoracodorsal neurovascular bundle. The vein is then dissected free from the level I axillary contents and clipped distally to provide maximal length. Completion of the level I and II ALND is then performed.

[0040] Following completion of the axillary dissection, for example, a Pentero 900D Microscope (Carl Zeiss Inc, Germany) equipped with the YELLOW 560 package, can be utilized to identify and map the divided lymphatic channels draining the arm. The harvested vein is prepared per standard microsurgical techniques. Utilizing existing techniques, a surgeon, using 9-0 nylon suture, places a “U” stitch to capture the anterior wall of the vein and parachute in the lymphatic channels chosen for bypass. 10-0 nylon can then be utilized to suture the wall of the vein to the perilymphatic tissue. Channels not bypassed are clipped. Lymphatic flow filling the vein can be visualized with the filter activated one hour after anastomosis.

[0041] However, in accordance with selected embodiments, the surgeon, instead of suturing, will attached the perilymphatic tissue to a first connecting element and attach the vein to a second connecting element, insert the exposed ends of the lymphatic channels into the opening at the vein and connect these components to securely complete the anastomosis or intussusception of lymphatic channels into the vein.

[0042] As noted in the study by Spiguel, et al, thirteen patients underwent LYMPHA with intra-operative FITC lymphatic imaging from March to September 2015. Average patient age was 50 years with a mean BMI of 28. On average, 3.4 divided lymphatic channels (range 1-8) were identified at an average distance of 2.72 cm (range 0.25-5 cm) caudal to the axillary vein. 1.7 channels were bypassed per patient (0-4). Anastomoses were performed to the accessory branch of the axillary vein and or to a lateral branch. LYMPHA added an average of 67 minutes (45-120 minutes) to the oncologic procedure in these examples.

[0043] Thus, FITC is a safe and effective dye for the LYMPHA technique. In comparison to ICG and blue dye, FITC has many advantages. FITC does not permanently stain surrounding tissues, as opposed to ICG and blue dyes, which facilitates dissection of the lymphatic channels. The primary advantage of FITC over ICG in lymphatic surgery, for example, is the ability to allow for simultaneous visualization and dissection of lymphatic channels as FITC is excited in the visible spectrum making it a dye to be used in open surgical fields.

[0044] Diagnosed breast cancer patients can have a lymphedema evaluation pre-operatively. Each evaluation, pre-operatively and post-operatively, can include three components: (1) evaluation by a certified lymphedema therapist for signs and symptoms of BCRL, (2) circumferential measurements, and (3) bioimpedance spectroscopy. Lymphedema can be defined as having signs/symptoms of BCRL and one positive objective measure and can be transient or extend beyond 6 months, for example. Demographics (age, BMI, prior radiation or chemotherapy), cancer treatment characteristics (chemotherapy, type of radiation treatment, and surgical management), and physical therapy evaluations (circumferential measurements, bioimpedance spectroscopy data, follow-up) can be included in the analysis.

[0045] An ALND procedure includes resection of axillary level I and II nodes. Patients undergoing an ALND can undergo identification of divided lymphatics with FITC and subsequently re-route those channels into a preserved axillary vein tributary.

[0046] Demographics and potential risk factors for development of lymphedema such as age, body mass index, clinical stage, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were reviewed. Similarly, patients who underwent the LYMPHA technique were compared to those who only had ALND.

[0047] All p-values were computed using the Fisher Exact Test or two-tailed t-test, as appropriate. Computations were done in the R language for statistical computing, version 3.3.2. A power analysis can be performed using SAS with the Fischer's Exact Conditional Test, for example. This utilized a set control percentage of 0.40 based on our institutional data. As previously noted, the incidence of lymphedema after simultaneous lymphovenous bypass was 0.04. Conservatively, in evaluating this procedure the power can be set at 0.8.

[0048] In a study conducted by Hahamoff et al (“A Lymphatic Surveillance Program for Breast Cancer Patients Reveals the Promise of Surgical Prevention”, Journal of Surgical Research, 2017, 10.008, the entire contents of which is incorporated here by reference) 177 patients presented for a pre-operative lymphedema evaluation and 87 patients (49%) participated in the program over the period. 45% (67/145) of patients undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and 64% (18/28) of patients undergoing ALND participated in the program and had an average age of 60 (range 32-83) and BMI 30 (range 17-46). 40% underwent a mastectomy and 21% underwent an ALND. 18% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 24% received RLNR. Most patients in this example did not undergo any reconstruction (62%).

[0049] The single most significant risk factor for the development of lymphedema was an ALND (p<0.001). Undergoing mastectomy (p=0.02), adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.03), and RLNR (p=0.05) were also associated with lymphedema development. A trend towards lymphedema development and clinical stage III disease (p=0.10) was also noted.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Advantages and disadvantages of the two most commonly used fluorophores in lymphatic surgery (Blue Dye and ICG) in comparison to FITC. Dye Advantages Disadvantages Blue Dye Technical Technical ✓Visualized through Binoculars XNo Depth of Penetration (Live Surgery) XPermanent Staining ✓No Specialized Equipment Necessary Safety XAdverse Reactions Skin Necrosis (Methylene Blue) Anaphylaxis (Isosulfan Blue) XCross Reactivity Sulfa Drugs (Isosulfan Blue) SSRI (Methylene Blue) ICG Technical Technical ✓Depth of penetration = 20 mm XUnable to visualize through binoculars (No Live Surgery) Safety XPermanent staining ✓No adverse reactions (dermal) XRequires Specialized Equipment ✓No cross-reactivities FITC Technical Technical ✓Visualized Through Binoculars XRequires Specialized Equipment (Live Surgery) ✓Depth of penetration = 5 mm ✓No permanent staining Safety ✓No adverse reactions (dermal) ✓No cross reactiveties

[0050] All patients who developed lymphedema were initially diagnosed either during treatment or within six months of the completion of their cancer therapy. Therefore, all patients were initially diagnosed with transient lymphedema. The average time to diagnosis after the surgical procedure was 4.7 months. One patient in the SLN biopsy group developed transient and then persistent lymphedema ( 1/67 or 1.5%). Of five patients who developed transient lymphedema after undergoing an ALND without the LYMPHA procedure, one patient's symptoms and objective measures completely resolved and four patients' symptoms persisted and they developed lymphedema ( 4/10 or 40%). Of these four patients, three were diagnosed with lymphedema based on changes in symptoms with associated changes in circumferential measurements and bioimpedance spectroscopy. The fourth patient was diagnosed based on symptoms and changes in circumferential measurements alone. Of the 17 patients who underwent the LYMPHA procedure during the period, only eight participated in our surveillance program. One patient in the ALND+LYMPHA group developed transient lymphedema which was persistent but still within six months of the completion of adjuvant radiation therapy (⅛ or 12.5%). This patient's diagnosis was based on changes in symptoms and bioimpedance without change in circumferential measurements. The only significant difference between the two groups undergoing ALND with or without LYMPHA was the follow-up period of 15 months versus 20 months (p<0.03), respectively.

[0051] In a comparison of patients who underwent ALND with or without LYMPHA versus those lost to follow-up in order to identify any potential confounding factors or bias, the only difference between groups noted is that participants who underwent LYMPHA were 10 years older than those patients lost to follow-up (59 vs 49, p=0.04).

[0052] With no cure to date for BCRL, recognition and prophylactic treatment for high-risk patients is an important consideration. The rate of lymphedema after ALND can be reduced from 40% to 12.5% after introduction of the LYMPHA approach in this example. Similarly, it is preferable to identify lymphedema in patients undergoing ALND within five months of their procedure. ALND, mastectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, and RLNR were associated with the development of lymphedema.

[0053] A notable finding of the Hahamoff et al, study was the reduction in rate of lymphedema development from 40% to 12.5% in patients undergoing an ALND after the introduction of the LYMPHA technique.

[0054] Note that the patients who develop lymphedema presented initially with signs and symptoms either during treatment or within six months of the end of their cancer therapy. Of these patients, one patient's condition completely resolved. No patient, to date, has presented with lymphedema more than six months after the completion of cancer therapy. This finding underscores the value of surveillance in being able to detect early lymphedema which is especially important for high-risk patients as prompt detection and treatment can potentially slow the progression of disease.

[0055] ALND and RLNR are important risk factors for the development of lymphedema. There can be increased rate of lymphedema in patients undergoing mastectomy, and this can be explained by the indications for ALND. Specifically, patients with limited nodal involvement undergoing lumpectomy do not require an ALND while those undergoing mastectomy will undergo an ALND for the same extent of nodal involvement. Therefore, patients undergoing mastectomy receive more aggressive axillary management than those undergoing lumpectomy. There can be increased rates of lymphedema for patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, which again, may be biased as those undergoing chemotherapy are more likely to have presented with more advanced disease initially. However, studies have linked specific chemotherapy regimens to the development of lymphedema. Lastly, as patients presenting for ALND have more advanced disease, it is not surprising that increased rates of lymphedema development were noted in those with clinical stage 3 disease.

[0056] While surgical prevention can aid in improving the quality of life in breast cancer survivors, development of our program did have its challenges. When SLNs were sent for permanent section and the patient returned to the operating room for an ALND at a later date, scheduling combination procedures between a breast and plastic surgeon were effective. However, when SLNs were sent for frozen section, the scheduling can be more erratic as a larger percentage of patients will never progress to ALND especially in light of recent trials challenging the need for ALND.

[0057] The present devices and methods for the treatment of lymphedema can change how metastatic disease to the axilla is treated. Given the significant morbidity of ALND, namely lymphedema, there is a distinct push away from ALND in early stage breast cancer in place of RLNR. However, with improved LYMPHA procedures and the promise of lower rates of lymphedema, the role of ALND in providing an improved method of loco-regional control can be enhanced.

[0058] A significant finding was that a decrease in lymphedema rates after the advent of LYMPHA are notable as the average time to diagnosis of lymphedema was 4.7 months following the surgical intervention. In this example, the total follow-up time in the ALND versus ALND+LYMPHA groups was 20 months and 15 months, respectively.

[0059] Offering LYMPHA with ALND together decreased the rate of lymphedema from 40% to 12.5%. Similarly, surveillance after surgery can provide early diagnosis and intervention by physical therapy. The significant risk factors for lymphedema development included ALND, RLNR, adjuvant chemotherapy, and mastectomy.

[0060] Note that breast surgeons often prefer to use a dual tracer method including both blue dye and technetium sulfur colloid for sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification. This is especially important in cases where neoadjuvant chemotherapy has previously been administered. Therefore, a different dye was sought for arm lymphatic mapping to differentiate staining from arm versus breast lymphatics. Thus, a combination of visualization procedures can be used. Shown in FIG. 5 are regions of the body containing portions of the lymphatic system. Each of these regions can be imaged to map the flow of lymph as needed for a particular condition.

[0061] The most common method of lymphatic vessel mapping currently in use is indocyanine green (ICG). However, the challenge with ICG is that the dye is near-infrared and therefore excited in the non-visible spectrum. This limits the usefulness of ICG for visualization and simultaneous dissection as the dye is displayed as a white signal on a black background and can not be concurrently visualized through the binoculars of a microscope.

[0062] Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 exhibiting the steps associated with treating lymphedema in cancer patients. The process is initiated at 602 where patients can be routed through one of three distinct protocols 604, 606, 608. In the first protocol 604, no axillary surgery is performed and follow up indicates that there is no observed lymphedema. The second protocol 606 employs sentinel lymph node biopsy where a certain population develops lymphedema requiring treatment. A third protocol 608 involved performing an ALND procedure either with 612, or without 610, a LYMPHA procedure as described herein.

[0063] Illustrated in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 are systems and methods for performing a robotic lymphovenous bypass surgical procedure for implanting a coupling device as described herein. Robotic systems such as the Da Vinci system available from Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale Calif., have been used to perform the LVA microsurgical procedure as illustrated in connection with FIG. 3. See van Mulken et al, “First-in-human robotic supermicrosurgery using a dedicated microsurgical robot for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized pilot trial”, Nature Communications, 11:757, Feb. 20, 2020, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further details concerning robotic surgery are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,138,297, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. This system 700 can employ robotic arms 702, 704 attached to grasping elements 706, 708 such as forceps-like manipulators. A surgeon can use the system 700 to grasp and control microsurgical tools within the surgical field. The computerized system 710 in the system 700 is programmed with software to perform scaling motion and tremor filtration, for example. As described in the process flow diagram of FIG. 8, the process 800 uses a plurality of two or more control arms 702, 704 that are actuated to perform the procedure wherein a vein is selected 802 having a diameter suitable for coupling to a first (or second) coupling element as described herein. The robotic arms can further grasp a region of adipose tissue having one or more lymphatic vessels wherein the adipose tissue is attached 804 to the second (or first) coupling element as described herein. The robotic arms can grasp the first and second coupling elements 100, 120, as seen in FIG. 7, to align the two elements such that the lymphatic vessels are inserted into the vein 806, typically under surgical microscope visualization. The robotic grasping tools 706, 708 can hold the two coupling elements by the outer peripheral surfaces which may be made with notches to enable a stable and secure grip. The two coupling elements are connected 808 to each other and the device is positioned within the wound opening for closing 810 of the wound.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, one or more sensors 265 or imaging devices can be used to measure the flow of lymph fluid into the vein at the junction within the device. The sensor 265 can be an optical sensor, for example, wherein a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode can be positioned relative to a photodetector array within a sensor module 266 that contacts the outer surface of the vein. As described herein, a fluorescent dye can be delivered into the lymphatic vessels prior to, during or after the procedure such that the optical sensor can measure the flow rate by detecting movement of the dye. Alternatively, the sensor 265 can comprise an ultrasound transducer 266 that can transmit an acoustic signal into the vein to detect reflectors that are introduced into the lymphatic vessels with the fluorescent dye. A cable or wire 268 can extend through a transcutaneous port 267 that extends to the tissue surface after wound closure. The cable is connected to a computer controlled data processing and display device for viewing of the measured data on the display and for storage of the data in a memory. This data can be transported to the electronic medical record for each patient. The sensor can be sized and configured to be inserted through the port in certain embodiments so as to enable easy insertion and removal after wound closure. As described previously, the sensor and/or fluoroscopic imaging can optionally be used during and/or after the procedure to verify proper positioning of the lymphatic vessels and lymph flow. The device can optionally also be coated with one or more therapeutic agents that inhibit clot formation within the vein in proximity to the junction. Shown in FIG. 10 is a further embodiment in which a flexible valve ring 281 can be attached to the coupling element 277 with a membrane 283. The inner surface of valve element 281 is in contact with the outer surface of the vein that is attached to the pins shown on inner surface of element 277. The valve element can be sized to constrict the vein so as to limit venous pressure on the junction within the device so as to decrease backpressure from the vein fluid on the junction region. This reduced pressure at the junction can aid in establishing flow of lymph fluid which tends to increase over time. The valve element can be shaped, sized and configured to accommodate the slow increase in lymph fluid pressure at the junction and can reduce the amount of compression over time. The valve element can comprise a biodegradable material that eases the constraint on the vein overtime due to the rate of degradation of the material. The valve can also be active, such as by a pressurized bladder that can release a pressurized fluid such as saline over time. Alternatively, pliable flaps can also impart sufficient pressure on the vein with an elastic material that expands at a selected rate.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications to, and variations of the above described device and methods can be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the disclosure should not be viewed as limited except as by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.