The Science: Glymphatic Failure in Neurodegeneration
Recent neuroscience has revealed that the brain has a dedicated waste clearance system — the glymphatic system — that uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flush toxic proteins from brain tissue, draining them into the cervical lymphatics and eventually the venous system. This process is most active during sleep.
In both Alzheimer's disease (amyloid-beta, tau accumulation) and Parkinson's disease (alpha-synuclein aggregation), there is evidence of glymphatic dysfunction — reduced clearance of these disease-driving proteins from the brain. Deep cervical lymphatic venous anastomosis aims to enhance this drainage by creating a more effective outflow path for cerebral lymphatic fluid.
The Procedure: Deep Cervical Lymphatic Venous Anastomosis
This microsurgical procedure — performed under Carl Zeiss surgical microscope in Eber's Siemens Hybrid OR — connects the deep cervical lymphatic trunks to adjacent jugular vein tributaries, creating a direct drainage pathway. This:
- Reduces CSF/interstitial fluid outflow resistance from the brain
- Enhances glymphatic clearance efficiency
- Reduces accumulation of amyloid-beta (Alzheimer's) and alpha-synuclein (Parkinson's)
- May slow neurodegeneration progression
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Cost (CNY) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphatic anastomosis surgery | ~300,000 | 1 week hospitalization |
| First-month rehabilitation program | ~100,000 | 1 month |
| Combined: surgery + 1-month rehab | ~400,000 | ~5–6 weeks total |
| Subsequent rehabilitation months | Inquire | Per month |
| Integrated TCM during rehab | Included | Daily sessions |
Combined Protocol: Surgery + TCM + Rehabilitation
After lymphatic anastomosis, patients undergo a comprehensive month-long program combining:
- Western rehabilitation: Cognitive training, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, TMS
- TCM integration: Scalp acupuncture targeting memory and cognitive points; herbal medicine (Bushen Yizhi formula for Alzheimer's; Bushen Huoxue for Parkinson's); tuina for circulation
- Pharmacotherapy optimization: Adjustment of disease-specific medications
- Family education: Caregiver training for home management