Axillary Reverse Mapping (ARM)

Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is an intraoperative technique developed to delineate the lymphatic drainage in the upper extremity during a sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. This procedure involves injection of dye to identify lymphatic drainage from the arm to enable preservation of the lymphatic vessels. This technique has been examined for the prevention of upper extremity lymphedema in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.