337 Innovation Opportunities within Lymphedema

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disease characterized by progressive swelling due to lymphatic dysfunction. Lymphedema affects 5+ million people in the US, commonly as a consequence of cancer treatment. We identified the most relevant needs within lymphedema based on clinical impact, commercial viability, and technological feasibility. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A narrative review of lymphedema management was performed through a combination of literature review via English language PubMed, landscape determination for current solutions and primary ethnography. Lymphedema-focused physicians, patients, physical therapists and researchers were interviewed on Needs were identified and clustered based on common themes. These clusters were further refined through an iterative process of systematic scoring and expert evaluation. Clusters were evaluated on their potential for clinical and commercial impact as well as technical feasibility. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: General clusters identified included improved diagnostic modalities, curative treatment, disease knowledge among non-specialized clinicians and increased insurance coverage. 3 primary needs were determined to represent the best opportunities for technological innovation. There is a need for a quantitative method of evaluating lymphedema. This would allow for both improved tracking of progression for patients undergoing conservative management, and for better evaluation of surgical outcomes. Oncologists and surgeons need a method of prophylaxis in order to decrease the rate of lymphedema development following cancer treatment. Physicians need a method for early diagnosis of subclinical lymphedema to enable early intervention through proactive screening rather than reactive management. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Increasingly medical device design has moved towards a “bedside to benchtop” model where technology development is targeted based on critical needs within the clinical environment. Identification of these critical needs will serve as to guide future technological innovation in creating clinically impactful advancements.