Lymph Tape: a quick, hook-based wrap to connect lymph vessels to veins
Official title: Lymph Tape: A Device for Simplified Lymphovenous Anastomosis
Funded at Biocircuit Technologies, INC. · NIH-11315949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, easy-to-use wrap with tiny hooks to join lymph vessels to veins during surgery for lymphedema, aiming to make the procedure faster and more accessible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Biocircuit Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $379,187 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL184714-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315949 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with lymphedema who are potential candidates for lymphovenous anastomosis and surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing LVA or those not suitable for this specific device-based approach.
What this research studies
This project develops a wrap called Lymph Tape with microscale hooks that grip the outer tissue of lymphatic vessels and veins to create a secure, fluid-tight link without sutures. It tests different hook shapes and wrapping patterns to optimize how well the device works in a surgical setting. The focus is on making the procedure simpler, faster, and easier to learn so more patients can benefit from effective lymphedema treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have faster, less complex surgeries with potentially lower costs and broader access to effective lymphedema treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in similar mechanical, suture-free approaches suggests promise, but this device is a novel adaptation for LVA.
Where this research is happening
-
Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clements, Isaac Perry — Biocircuit Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Clements, Isaac Perry
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.