Deep cervical lymphovenous bypass for Parkinson’s disease: A hypothesis

Abstract

As the population ages, the incidence of Parkinson’s disease has been progressively increasing, becoming a significant global public health concern. This disease is closely associated with the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein, which adversely affects neuronal function and exacerbates symptoms. Recent studies have indicated that the lymphatic system plays a crucial role in clearing metabolic waste from the brain. However, patients with Parkinson’s disease often exhibit dysfunction of the brain’s lymphatic system, resulting in impaired clearance of α-synuclein. Therefore, reducing the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain has emerged as a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease. In this context, a hypothesis is proposed regarding the use of deep cervical lymphovenous bypass surgery. This procedure aims to create a pathway for the drainage of cerebrospinal lymph by anastomosing the deep cervical lymphatic vessels with the cervical veins, thereby accelerating lymphatic drainage and improving the drainage function of the brain’s lymphatic system. If this hypothesis is validated, it could provide new solution into the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, potentially halting disease progression and possibly being applicable to other neurodegenerative disorders.