There is current research to create an artificial lymph node. John Hopkins is working on one, but their focus is on the immune function of a lymph node not the movement/removal of fluid. Perhaps the ability to extravasate fluid will be the next step. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240606152135.htm
There is an EU-funded artificial lymph node, LymphoDrain, that seems promising, at least in the information provided. Although it’s difficult to tell hype from actual outcomes until enough clinical trials have been completed. It appears there was a study that ran 2019-2023, so maybe we’ll be hearing more about it soon. https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/444089-an-implantable-device-treats-lymphedema#:~:text=It%20comprises%20an%20under%2Dthe,by%20the%20strongest%20regulatory%20constraints
I believe there are two forces that push medical innovation, one is altruism the other is money (either money making, or money saving). Altruistic research still requires money, so addressing how lymphedema fits into that equation may help drive innovation. Lots of funding is driven by insurance companies trying to save money. Health insurance companies want us to remain employable and maintain independence- it’s just cheaper for them if we do.
When you discuss your symptoms and side effects with your doctor it might help push research if you’d put an emphasis on how the fluid retention is affecting your ability to function at work 100%, and how it affects your ability to care for yourself.
We need surveys and questionnaires that capture this info. Data from these formats is used in the statistical analysis by researchers, and if the right question is not asked, the problem is not revealed. Questions like: Lymphedema affects my work output by what percent, lymphedema affects my ability to cook healthy food (skill slicing/dicing fresh vegs, time needed to create healthy which means arm is not elevated, etc), Does lymphadema affect your dressing routine? Driving time? Physical work requirements? Weight lifting exercises?
Can WE make a difference in where research funding goes? Quantifying the impact of lymphedema in terms that impacts funding might help. Creating a questionnaire would be a great project for a graduate student at a university - I’m not sure how to accomplish this but maybe they need a push by us talking about it.
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There is current research to create an artificial lymph node. John Hopkins is working on one, but their focus is on the immune function of a lymph node not the movement/removal of fluid. Perhaps the ability to extravasate fluid will be the next step.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240606152135.htm
There is an EU-funded artificial lymph node, LymphoDrain, that seems promising, at least in the information provided. Although it’s difficult to tell hype from actual outcomes until enough clinical trials have been completed. It appears there was a study that ran 2019-2023, so maybe we’ll be hearing more about it soon.
https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/444089-an-implantable-device-treats-lymphedema#:~:text=It%20comprises%20an%20under%2Dthe,by%20the%20strongest%20regulatory%20constraints
I believe there are two forces that push medical innovation, one is altruism the other is money (either money making, or money saving). Altruistic research still requires money, so addressing how lymphedema fits into that equation may help drive innovation. Lots of funding is driven by insurance companies trying to save money. Health insurance companies want us to remain employable and maintain independence- it’s just cheaper for them if we do.
When you discuss your symptoms and side effects with your doctor it might help push research if you’d put an emphasis on how the fluid retention is affecting your ability to function at work 100%, and how it affects your ability to care for yourself.
We need surveys and questionnaires that capture this info. Data from these formats is used in the statistical analysis by researchers, and if the right question is not asked, the problem is not revealed. Questions like: Lymphedema affects my work output by what percent, lymphedema affects my ability to cook healthy food (skill slicing/dicing fresh vegs, time needed to create healthy which means arm is not elevated, etc), Does lymphadema affect your dressing routine? Driving time? Physical work requirements? Weight lifting exercises?
Can WE make a difference in where research funding goes? Quantifying the impact of lymphedema in terms that impacts funding might help. Creating a questionnaire would be a great project for a graduate student at a university - I’m not sure how to accomplish this but maybe they need a push by us talking about it.