Models of the Lymphatic System for Improved Therapy

In 2005, there were an estimated 1.6 million limb amputations with a projected rise to 3.6 million by 2050. While most amputations are required due to type II diabetes related tissue injury, the second most frequent etiology is traumatic injury. Military personnel are not only at a higher risk to require an amputation due to injury while on deployment, military veterans have also almost three times a higher risk of developing type II diabetes and hence lower limb disease predisposed to amputation. In trauma or amputation surgery, the lymphatic structures responsible for fluid drainage are disrupted, which can result in permanent or recurring lymph accumulation. This accumulation, called edema can drastically reduce mobility, prosthetics fit and quality of life of affected patients. The proposed study established a realistic unprecedented biophysical model of the lymphatics system of the lower extremity to elucidate the relationship between pressure and flow, which can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of edema. This will serve as the foundation for therapeutic application, both in prevention and treatment of outflow congestion post amputation surgery.