Apparatus, System, and Method for Measuring Lymphatic Pressure and Performance in Vivo

摘要

Methods for measuring lymphatic performance are provided herein. Lymphatic pressure is measured by introducing a near infrared flourophore into the limb of a mammal, detecting the lymph flow with near infrared lights and sensors, occluding lymph flow with a pressure cuff, and then noting the pressure at which lymph flow returns. Lymphatic performance is derived by comparing lymphatic pressure measurements taken at multiple points along a mammal's limb, and by measuring the rate at which lymph is emptied upstream from occluded vessels.

主权项

1. A method for measuring lymphatic performance, comprising the steps of
(a) measuring a first lymphatic pressure at a first location on a limb of a mammal using a first measuring means, (b) measuring a second lymphatic pressure at a second location on the limb using a second measuring means, wherein the second location is disposed proximally from the first location and the distance between the first location and the second location is a separation distance, and (c) determining lymphatic performance by dividing the difference between the first lymphatic pressure and the second lymphatic pressure by the separation distance.