An experimental neck surgery is offering new hope to Alzheimer’s patients worldwide. Developed by Dr. Xie Qingping, a specialist in microsurgery and lymphatic surgery at Hangzhou Qiushi Hospital, the procedure aims to enhance the brain’s ability to clear toxic proteins associated with the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions, causing irreversible damage to neurons and leading to cognitive decline. Current treatments are limited, especially in advanced stages. Dr. Xie’s innovative approach repurposes a surgery originally used for treating limb lymphedema, called deep cervical lymphovenous anastomosis (dcLVA).
The discovery came in 2019 when Dr. Xie operated on a patient suffering from chronic tinnitus and headaches. Noticing abnormal cervical lymphatic structures, he connected blocked lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes to neck veins. Remarkably, the patient not only experienced relief from tinnitus but also reported clearer vision and reduced brain fog.
“This hinted at a link between cervical lymphatic drainage and the detoxification of the central nervous system,” Dr. Xie explained.
Since 2020, over 600 patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease have undergone the dcLVA procedure. According to Dr. Xie, approximately 80% showed improvements in cognition, sleep, and mood within three to six months after surgery.
The global medical community has taken notice. Hospitals in Singapore, the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia are seeking approvals to perform the surgery. “I believe that in the next one to two years, we will witness the gradual expansion of dcLVA surgery worldwide,” said Dr. Xie.
However, some experts urge caution. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood, and the mechanism by which dcLVA may help needs more evidence. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the surgery’s efficacy and safety thoroughly.
In February 2025, Dr. Xie’s team, in collaboration with neurology scientist Dr. Wang Yilong from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, launched a new randomized controlled trial named CLEAN-AD. This study aims to standardize surgical protocols and ensure transparent, multidisciplinary assessments.
“We welcome scrutiny,” Dr. Xie stated. “This is a new pathway for a field starved of breakthroughs.”
The potential of this experimental surgery brings renewed optimism to patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. While challenges remain, the ongoing research represents a significant step toward finding an effective treatment for this devastating condition.
