The lymphatic system is a vast network of vessels that functions to return excess fluid from the interstitial space to the blood stream. Lymphovenous shunts are anastomoses, either natural or surgical, that connect the lymphatic and venous systems. Connections between the thoracic duct and venous system or between the right lymphatic duct and venous system are prime examples of anatomic lymphovenous shunts. Lymphovenous shunts are also present peripherally in tissues such as lymph nodes. Furthermore, pathologic lymphovenous shunts are observed in conditions such as lymphedema, malignancy, and lymphovenous malformations. Surgically, lymphovenous shunts may be constructed as an approach to treat lymphedema. Here, we discuss anatomic and surgical lymphovenous shunts in the context of normal development and disease. This perspective is intended to give an understanding of the role of lymphovenous shunts in health and disease and to show how they can be leveraged to treat disease surgically.

中文翻译：

---

淋巴静脉分流器：从开发到临床应用

淋巴系统是一个庞大的血管网络，其作用是将多余的液体从间质空间返回到血流中。淋巴静脉分流是连接淋巴系统和静脉系统的自然或手术吻合。胸导管和静脉系统之间或右淋巴管和静脉系统之间的连接是解剖性淋巴静脉分流的主要例子。淋巴静脉分流也存在于淋巴结等组织的外周。此外，在淋巴水肿、恶性肿瘤和淋巴静脉畸形等疾病中观察到病理性淋巴静脉分流。通过手术，可以构建淋巴静脉分流术作为治疗淋巴水肿的方法。在这里，我们在正常发育和疾病的背景下讨论解剖和手术淋巴静脉分流。