Prof. Dr. med. Nicole Lindenblatt
Area of Research
Description of Research Interest
Research InterestsThe lymphatic system, long regarded as the “forgotten circulation,” is now recognized as a dynamic frontier in surgical science and translational medicine. My career has focused on uncovering its complexities and advancing innovative strategies, from peripheral to central lymphatic reconstruction, robotic-assisted techniques, and the evolving field of brain lymphatics.
In 2018, we performed the first thoracic duct reconstruction in Switzerland/Europe, establishing Zurich as a hub for central lymphatic surgery. In 2021, we achieved the world’s first robotic-assisted lymphatic surgery with the Symani® Surgical System, followed by the first robotic-assisted central lymphatic reconstruction worldwide in 2023. These milestones, together with publications on the learning curve and 100 consecutive robotic anastomoses, show that robotics is not experimental but a transformative tool for lymphatic disease.
My current research extends to brain lymphatics, where the discovery of a meningeal lymphatic system challenges traditional views of the brain as immune privileged and opens therapeutic opportunities in neurodegeneration, trauma, and inflammation. By combining advanced imaging, microsurgical precision, and robotics, my research team aims to develop novel strategies that bridge lymphatic biology, neurosurgery, and translational innovation.LinkedIn
Special Expertise
- Robotic-assisted Microsurgery
- Central Lymphatics
- Neurofluids and Brain Lymphatics
- Micro/Supermicrosugery
- Reconstructive surgery
Shareable Platforms, Services, Equipment & Infrastructure
- Symani Surgical System
- Intravital microscopy
- Fluorescence microscopy
Member of Collaborative/interdisciplinary Research Consortia
SKINTEGRITY.CH
Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery