Lymphatic Program
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At CHOC, we understand the difficulty of seeing your child diagnosed with a lymphatic disorder. That’s why the Lymphatic Program at CHOC is one of the first in the nation to offer comprehensive care and support for children with lymphatic conditions. Our board-certified physicians and clinicians are specially trained to address the unique needs of kids.
Lymphatic disorders include a range of conditions affecting the lymphatic system, which is essential for immune function and fluid balance in the body. Often the disorders are linked to heart conditions, which can lead to fluid accumulation and swelling and impact cardiovascular function. Lymphatic diseases may be caused by heart abnormalities, infections and surgeries.
A Team Approach to Care
Led by board-certified pediatric cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Sinha, the Lymphatic Program team at CHOC combines the expertise of professionals from gastroenterology, pulmonology, cardiology, nutrition and others to provide coordinated care to patients with lymphatic disorders. The multidisciplinary team uses dynamic contrast imaging, lymphatic interventions and a variety of minimally invasive treatments to correct and repair abnormalities. An outpatient clinic provides a range of services from multiple specialties in one place. Using a collaborative approach, our team creates individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each child and family and optimize outcomes for children facing complex medical challenges.
- Ascites
- Chylothorax
- Chylopericardium
- Plastic bronchitis
- Protein-losing enteropathy
- Thoracic outlet obstruction
Why Choose the CHOC Lymphatic Program?
- The Lymphatic Program at CHOC is the most comprehensive pediatric lymphatic program on the West Coast and the second largest in the nation. We have treated patients from every major cardiac program in California, Nevada and Arizona.
- Our team of board-certified physicians, as well as our perfusionists, cardiovascular nurse practitioners and nurses, respiratory therapists, dietitians, social workers, child life specialists and case managers all have specialized training and expertise.
- The CHOC Heart Institute is ranked among the Best Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for heart.
- CHOC and UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital combine expertise to offer a joint congenital heart program at two sites for families in Southern California.
- We are the only Orange County hospital to perform neonatal and pediatric open-heart surgery and catheterization.
- CHOC provides the least invasive, most advanced cardiodiagnostic services available for heart-related problems in children.
- A dedicated cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) with the most advanced bedside monitoring equipment available.
- A cardiac NICU for newborns with congenital heart disease, including those complicated by prematurity, low birth weight or multi-organ disease.
- The only Orange County hospital to offer 24/7 extracorporeal life support (ECLS), or ECMO, for children who have sudden cardiac arrest.
- Our cardiac specialists are always on-call in our emergency department.
- CHOC offers the only comprehensive fetal cardiology services in Orange County.
- CHOC uses only specially trained and board-certified pediatric cardiac intensivists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventionalists and anesthesiologists to care for your child.
The multidisciplinary Lymphatic Program team collaborates using advanced diagnostics to understand the complex nature of lymphatic disorders. Once a child’s condition has been determined, our clinicians work with the child and family to create an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the medical situation, patients may benefit from surgical or nonsurgical procedures at CHOC, including:
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography (DCMRL): The specialized imaging technique allows doctors to assess the lymphatic system with great detail. DCMRL provides real time information about lymphatic vessels and potential abnormalities. The procedure contributes to improved diagnostic accuracy and personalized care for children with lymphatic-related concerns.
Ultrasound: This medical imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal structures in the body.
Lymphatic mapping: The medical procedure helps identify the drainage pathways of the lymphatic system, enabling surgeons to locate lymph nodes and plan appropriate treatment strategies.
Cardiac catherization: This diagnostic procedure inserts a catheter through blood vessels to the heart, allowing doctors to assess blood flow, and obtain detailed images. The tool is valuable for diagnosing cardiovascular issues including blockages, and congenital heart defects.
Cath Intervention: The minimally invasive operation uses specialized tools and techniques during cardiac catheterization to visualize and treat lymphatic heart conditions. Cath interventions often result in quicker recovery times and less discomfort for children.
Lymphovenous Anastomosis: This surgical technique creates connections between lymphatic vessels and veins to improve fluid drainage. The procedure helps alleviate symptoms of lymphatic disorders by reducing swelling.
Balloon angioplasty: The medical procedure is used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels. It involves inserting a catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip into the affected lymphatic vessel and exerting pressure on the narrowed or blocked area to expand the vessel’s diameter. The procedure aims to improve lymphatic flow, reduce swelling, and alleviate symptoms associated with lymphatic disorders.
Thoracoscopy: The minimally invasive surgical procedure inserts a small, lighted tube (thoracoscope) through small incisions in the chest wall, allowing doctors to see the surroundings of the lungs.
