The guide wire method: a new technique for easier side-to-end lymphaticovenular anastomosis.

Lymphaticovenular anastomosis has become one of the treatment options for lymphedema. Among several types of anastomosis, side-to-end anastomosis in which a window is made on the wall of a lymphatic vessel is considered to be the most effective, because it creates bidirectional bypasses through 1 anastomosis. However, making a side-to-end anastomosis with a small lymphatic vessel and a venule can be technically challenging. We developed a new technique using an intravascular stenting that significantly facilitates the procedure.