The role of adjunct nanofibrillar collagen scaffold implantation in the surgical management of secondary lymphedema: Review of the literature and summary of initial pilot studies

Danielle H Rochlin; Suzanne Inchauste; Justin Zelones; Dung H Nguyen

doi:10.1002/jso.25576

The role of adjunct nanofibrillar collagen scaffold implantation in the surgical management of secondary lymphedema: Review of the literature and summary of initial pilot studies

J Surg Oncol. 2020 Jan;121(1):121-128. doi: 10.1002/jso.25576. Epub 2019 Jun 18.

Authors

Danielle H Rochlin¹, Suzanne Inchauste¹, Justin Zelones¹, Dung H Nguyen¹

Affiliation

¹ Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

PMID: 31209884
DOI: 10.1002/jso.25576

Abstract

Secondary lymphedema is a worldwide affliction that exacts a significant public health burden. This review examines the etiology, presentation, and management of secondary lymphedema. In addition, emerging adjunctive strategies are explored, specifically evidence from animal and pilot human studies regarding implantation of a collagen nanofibrillar scaffold (BioBridge™; Fibralign Corporation, Union City, CA) in promoting lymphangiogenesis, preventing and treating lymphedema, and enhancing outcomes with lymphaticovenous anastomosis and vascularized lymph node transfer.

Keywords: collagen scaffold; lymphaticovenous anastomosis; secondary lymphedema; vascularized lymph node transfer.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Collagen*
Humans
Lymph Nodes / surgery
Lymphangiogenesis
Lymphedema / surgery*
Models, Animal
Nanofibers
Pilot Projects
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Tissue Engineering
Tissue Scaffolds*

Substances

Collagen

Grants and funding

Funding support for preliminary animal studies comes from unrestricted grants for lymphedema research from donors, including Fibralign Corporation.