Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español
Government Funding Lapse
Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

vascularized lymph node transfer

(VAS-kyoo-luh-RIZED limf node TRANZ-fer)
Surgery done to help relieve symptoms of lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph in the tissues). Lymphedema can occur when lymph nodes or vessels become damaged or blocked. During a vascularized lymph node transfer, healthy tissue containing lymph nodes and vessels is taken from one part of the body, such as the neck, abdomen, or groin, and moved to the area with the damaged lymph nodes, usually in a person’s arm or leg. This may cause the lymph nodes and vessels in the healthy tissue to grow and help improve the flow of lymph in that area. Also called lymphovenous transplant and VLNT.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms