What is Lymphatic Embolization?
A lymphatic embolization is a treatment for leaking lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels run alongside blood vessels and carry a milky fluid important for the immune system. They lead to the “thoracic duct,” a main vessel in the chest. When damaged, they can leak a milky fluid into the chest or abdomen. Treatments to plug the leaking lymphatic vessels can stop the fluid from accumulating. This procedure is safe because the lymphatic fluid can drain through other healthy lymphatic vessels.
How is Lymphatic Embolization done?
Medicines may be given to make you drowsy. The clinician numbs the skin over the upper thigh or abdomen. They use ultrasound to guide a small needle into a lymph node. They inject dye to see the lymphatic vessels and the thoracic duct using x-rays. They may need to reach the thoracic duct through a blood vessel in the neck. They may need to pass a thin tube into the thoracic duct. The clinician injects a special oil or glue to plug up the leaking lymphatic vessels. After the procedure, they place a bandage on the skin.
Lymphatic Embolization
1. The clinician uses ultrasound to place a small needle through numbed skin. They inject dye to see the lymphatic vessels using x-rays.
2. The clinician injects special oil or glue to plug up the leak.
3. After the procedure, the clinician places a bandage over the skin.
What are the risks?
Lymphatic embolization is generally a safe procedure when done by a specialist.
For 1 in 5 people (or up to 1 in 2 people), the procedure is not successful, depending upon the cause of the build-up of lymphatic fluid.
5 in 100 people have a chance of developing
leg swelling
diarrhea
Very rarely, the injected material can travel into the lungs. This often causes no harm.
What are the alternatives?
Your treatment options depend on your preferences, overall health, unique conditions or symptoms and the specific cause for the build-up of lymphatic fluid.
Alternative 1 No treatment or drainage. Even if the fluid is removed with drainage (paracentesis or thoracentesis), it is likely to come back without treatment.
Alternative 2 Eating a low-fat diet, or receiving IV nutrition (called TPN). This avoids a procedure but only works in 3 in 10 people. Receiving nutrition through an IV in the veins also carries other risks.
Alternative 3 Surgery. “Thoracic duct ligation” is surgery to tie-off and block the thoracic duct. This option is very effective even when thoracic duct embolization fails. However, it has more risks with complications in 1 in 3 people.