Lymph tape: a device for simplified lymphovenous anastomosis

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute awarded Biocircuit Technologies Inc. $379,187 on August 10, 2026, under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) to optimize and validate Lymph Tape, a microhook-based device for lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in the prevention and treatment of lymphedema.

Lymph Tape consists of a flexible biologic wrap containing microscale hooks that engage and hold the outer connective tissue of lymphatic vessels and veins, enabling coupling of a lymphatic vessel to a vein through a wrapping technique that requires no microsutures or specialized microsurgical tools. The device operates on a reversible mechanical connection principle similar to hook-and-loop fasteners, forming an effective fluid-tight seal while reducing surgical complexity and cost compared to standard microsuture repair.

Phase I activities span three aims: testing various geometries and patterns of microhooks; optimizing wrapping material configuration and closure mechanisms; and validating device usability and performance in a controlled cadaver study directed by a partner microsurgeon, benchmarked against standard microsuture techniques. Phase II will encompass animal safety and efficacy testing, regulatory pathway development, manufacturing process establishment, and pursuit of 510K approval and licensing agreements.

Work is performed in Atlanta, Georgia. The award runs through July 31, 2027. This is a Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project.

Abstract

Lymphedema is a progressive and debilitating condition afflicting over 10 million americans. Current surgical treatments are extremely time demanding and skill intensive. The proposed project will optimize and validate a microhook-based device for quick and effective lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. "lymph tape" consists of a flexible biologic wrap containing microscale hooks, which safely engage and hold the outer connective tissue of lymphatic vessels and veins. Lymph tape will simplify the LVA procedure by coupling a lymphatic vessel to a vein through an easy and intuitive wrapping technique that does not require microsutures, specialized tools, or "super microsurgical technique". The short microhooks penetrate only into the outer, connective tissue layers of the vessels, forming an effective mechanical connection that is akin to velcrotm brand products, but safely reversible. The device can be applied quickly and reproducibly for a strong and fluid-tight seal. Versus the current clinical standard microsuture repair, lymph tape has the potential to reduce overall surgical costs and complexity to enhance patient access to effective lymphedema treatment. This proposed phase I project will optimize the lymph tape's design and validate its efficacy in acute settings. Specifically, aim 1 will test various geometries and patterns of microhooks, while aim 2 optimizes the wrapping material configuration and potential closure mechanisms. Aim 3 will validate device usability and performance in comparison with standard microsuture techniques, through a controlled cadaver study directed by our partner microsurgeon. Phase II will include extensive animal safety and efficacy testing, regulatory development, establishment of manufacturing processes, and ultimately 510K approval and licensing/distribution agreements. The final product will be an FDA-approved device that can be stored on the shelf for use during LVA procedures. Lymph tape will reduce healthcare costs while improving patient access and quality of recovery from lymphedema, a debilitating and undertreated condition.