Development of a innovative minimally invasive diagnostic tool for lymphedema using stretchable electronics

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K16998
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56070:Plastic and reconstructive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Yushi 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 特任助教 (40793287)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: リンパ浮腫 / 早期診断 / 非侵襲的診断

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to establish a noninvasive diagnostic method for lymphedema by collecting data and developing a prototype. In the case of upper extremity lymphedema, the contralateral side of the body is usually healthy. Therefore, patients with unilateral lymphedema of the upper limb were targeted, and their healthy side and the affected side were compared. We evaluated whether this difference would produce findings that could be used as a basis for a diagnosis. The results showed that the lymphedema limb had increased viscoelasticity as well as skin stiffness, suggesting that these findings may be useful for characterizing lymphedema. We also developed a prototype that can evaluate skin firmness by simply attaching it to the skin.

Free Research Field

リンパ浮腫

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

リンパ浮腫はがん術後のリンパ節郭清などで体内に張り巡らされたリンパ液の輸送経路が障害され発症する疾患である。早期発見が非常に重要であるが、正確なリンパ浮腫の診断のためには造影剤を皮下に注射する必要があり、患者に検査のたび疼痛を与えることとなってしまう。そのため、非侵襲的にリンパ浮腫の発症を検知する手法が求められており、今回作成した試作品を用いることで、患者自身がリンパ浮腫の発症に気づくことができる可能性があるため、有意義と考えられる。