Beyond Lymph Link:
A Bigger Solution
Our project is part of a larger, collaborative effort. To address previous limitations, our sponsor lab is developing a proprietary imaging system for safe thoracic duct access. A prior team that designed a lymphatic drainage pump, Lymph Link enables clinical intervention. Together, this integrated solution targets a $1B+ unmet market in diuretic-resistant HF patients.
Thoracic Duct Drainage Port for Congestive Heart Failure Patients
Patients with impaired lymphatic drainage need a way to reduce volume overload and provide continuous access to lymphatic fluid to enable therapeutic intervention
Why hasn't anyone done this before?
Due to the thoracic duct’s intricate anatomy and limited imaging capabilities, current treatment approaches rely primarily on pharmacological therapy or invasive procedures.
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Enables effective lymphatic drainage via the thoracic duct (~3.34 L/day), supporting clinical intervention
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Lymphatic-specific catheter with Dacron cuff ensures secure, stable device placement
Device Claims:
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Improves outcomes in HF patients with lymphatic volume overload
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Addresses a $1B+ market of diuretic-resistant HF patients, meeting a significant unmet need
Development Timeline
August – Initiation
Initial meeting with sponsor to define project scope, objectives, and clinical need, establishing the foundation for development and collaboration.
2025
September – Literature Review
Conducted extensive literature review to build understanding of lymphatic anatomy, physiology, and its role in heart failure.
October – Initial Design Concepts
Developed and 3D-modeled four preliminary port concepts, exploring design feasibility and functionality.
November – Tech Symposium I
Presented Lymph Link at a university symposium, sharing early concepts and receiving feedback from peers and faculty.
December – Anatomical Analysis
Visited UT Health to use the anatomical software to identify thoracic duct landmarks and optimize device placement strategy.
August - Initiation
2026
January – Design Finalization
Incorporated clinician feedback to refine and finalize the Lymph Link design for improved usability and performance.
February – Prototype Manufacturing
Fabricated stainless steel prototypes and SLA prints for testing, validation, and iterative design improvements.
March – Preclinical Observation
Observed sponsor-led imaging studies in porcine models and performed initial implantation testing to evaluate feasibility.
April – Final Validation & Presentation Prep
Conducted verification testing, finalized poster and materials, and prepared for final presentation and project delivery.
May – Next Steps
Continue design verification testing, initiate porcine studies in conjunction with the imaging system, and further investigate lymphatic system physiology to support clinical translation and device optimization.