Isolated Lymphatic Vessel Perfusion System Design for Independently Controlling Hoop Stress and Shear Stress

Most tissues in the body are supported by the lymphatic system for a variety of functions, including the regulation of fluid balance, the removal of particulate matter from the interstitium, as well as the transport of fat from the intestine to the blood, among others. Lymphedema, a chronic disease characterized by an inability of the lymphatics to maintain tissue homeostasis and estimated to affect over 130 million people worldwide, can result in serious clinical problems for which there are very few beneficial cures or therapies [1]. However, despite the importance of lymphatics and the prevalence of lymphatic disease, very little is known about the particular mechanisms through which the lymphatics fulfill its primary functions.