title: Near-Infrared Fluorescence Lymphatic Imaging to Reconsider Occlusion Pressure of Superficial Lymphatic Collectors in Upper Extremities of Healthy Volunteers.
abstract: There are very little scientific data on occlusion pressure for superficial lymphatic collectors. Given its importance in determining the transport capacity of lymphatic vessels, it is crucial to know its value. The novel method of near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) can be used to visualize lymphatic flow in real time. The goal of this study was to see if this method could be used to measure the lymphatic occlusion pressure.
  
  
  
  We observed and recorded lymph flow in the upper limb of healthy volunteers through a transparent cuff using near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging. After obtaining a baseline of the lymph flow without pressure inside the cuff, the cuff was inflated by increments of 10 mm Hg starting at 30 mm Hg. A NIRFLI guided manual lymphatic drainage technique named "Fill & Flush Drainage Method" was performed during the measurement to promote lymph flow. Lymphatic occlusion pressure was determined by observing when lymph flow stopped under the cuff.
  
  
  
  We measured the lymphatic occlusion pressure on 30 healthy volunteers (11 men and 19 women). Mean lymphatic occlusion pressure in the upper limb was 86 mm Hg (CI ±3.7 mm Hg, α = 0.5%). No significant differences were found between age groups (p = 0.18), gender (p = 0.12), or limb side (p = 0.85).
  
  
  
  NIRFLI, a transparent sphygmomanometer cuff and the "Fill and Flush" manual lymphatic drainage method were used to measure the lymphatic occlusion pressure in 30 healthy humans. That combination of these techniques allows the visualization of the lymph flow in real time, while ensuring the continuous filling of the lymph collectors during the measurement session, reducing false negative observations. The measured occlusion pressures are much higher than previously described in the medical literature.
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphology Research Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|2 Clinique de Lymphologie, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|3 BEAMS (Bio, Electro, and Mechanical Systems), Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Belgrado
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphology Research Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|2 Clinique de Lymphologie, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|4 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Liesbeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vandermeeren
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphology Research Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|2 Clinique de Lymphologie, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vankerckhove
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphology Research Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|2 Clinique de Lymphologie, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|3 BEAMS (Bio, Electro, and Mechanical Systems), Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Jean-Baptiste
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Valsamis
authors.affiliation: 5 Vascular Medicine Department, CHU St. Pierre , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Malloizel-Delaunay
authors.affiliation: 1 Lymphology Research Unit, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|6 Research Unit in Cardiorespiratory Physiology, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Moraine
authors.affiliation: 2 Clinique de Lymphologie, Université libre de Bruxelles , Bruxelles, Belgium .|7 Breast Clinic , CHU St. Pierre, Bruxelles, Belgium .
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liebens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011312:Pressure; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult