Lymphatic Reconnection and Restoration of Lymphatic Flow by Nonvascularized Lymph Node Transplantation: Real-Time Fluorescence Imaging Using Indocyanine Green and Fluorescein Isothiocyanate-Dextran.

Background: Lymph node transplantation is being increasingly recognized as a method of reconstruction of the lymphatic system for the treatment of lymphedema. However, the mechanisms regulating the connections between the lymphatic vessels and the lymph nodes remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to examine whether removal of a popliteal lymph node (PLN) could result in rerouting of lymph flow and whether a single transplanted nonvascularized lymph node could reconnect with a lymphatic vessel and restore lymph flow.

Pathophysiological characteristics of melanoma in-transit metastasis in a lymphedema mouse model.

In-transit metastasis (ITM) is a unique manifestation of intralymphatic tumor dissemination, characterized by the presence of melanoma cells between the primary lesion and the draining regional lymph node basin that is clinically associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to establish an experimental animal model of melanoma ITM, as research progress in this field has been hampered by a lack of suitable experimental models. We reproduced melanoma ITM in a mouse hind limb by transplanting melanoma cells into the footpad of a mouse with lymphedema (LE).

Vascularised fat flaps lose 44% of their weight 24 weeks after transplantation.

Background: Microsurgical transfer of the vascularised fat flaps has become a well-established method for soft-tissue augmentation because it has been believed to provide the restoration of symmetry without atrophy. Yet little has been reported on the long-term fate of the vascularised fat flaps. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative changes that occur in the vascularised fat flaps after transplantation.

Direction of innervation after interpositional nerve graft between facial and hypoglossal nerves in individuals with or without facial palsy: a rat model for treating incomplete facial palsy.

Background: The use of an interpositional nerve graft (IPNG) between the facial and hypoglossal nerves for incomplete facial palsy has recently been reported. However, its mechanism has not been elucidated. We established a rat model of IPNG to study incomplete facial palsy and confirmed the direction of innervation through the grafted nerve with or without facial nerve injury.