Hackensack Meridian Health

For nearly 30 years, Nora Ambros lived with a constant, painful reminder of her first battle with breast cancer.

For nearly 30 years, Nora Ambros lived with a constant, painful reminder of her first battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed with stage-three cancer in her left breast in 1996, she underwent treatment, including a mastectomy, and later became one of the first patients to have reconstructive surgery at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. While the treatment saved her life, it left her with a lifelong consequence: severe lymphedema in her left arm.

The chronic swelling seriously impacted her life. She struggled to find clothes that fit, as a larger size would hang off her right side. The physical and emotional burden was immense. She couldn’t push a supermarket cart, and she rarely showed her left arm, which was several sizes larger than her right. Worse, any overexertion or even sitting in the sun could trigger a painful infection, leading to yet another round of antibiotics. For three decades, her only recourse was physical therapy and a tight, uncomfortable compression sleeve.

“It was a constant battle,” Nora recalls. “You survive cancer, and you are so grateful, but then you are left with this daily struggle that affects everything you do. I just learned to live with it, to hide it.”

Nora’s story is a familiar one for thousands of cancer survivors. After treatments like lymph node removal or radiation, many are left with lymphedema—a persistent, painful swelling in an arm or leg. This condition, caused by a blockage in the body’s lymphatic system, affects as many as one in five breast cancer survivors. It's more than just unsightly; it's a heavy burden that can limit mobility, cause discomfort, and often requires wearing tight compression garments for the rest of their lives.

Then, in 2025, Nora’s life took another unexpected turn. A routine screening revealed breast cancer in her right breast. Thankfully, it was caught early. As she prepared for another mastectomy and reconstruction, she received news that would change everything—not just for her new diagnosis, but for the old wound she had carried for so long.

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center has become the first hospital in the state to acquire and use the 

, a robotic microsurgery platform. This revolutionary technology is poised to transform the treatment of lymphedema, and for Nora, it was a silver lining she never imagined.

A Microscopic Solution to a Major Problem

Treating lymphedema surgically is one of the most delicate procedures imaginable. It involves rerouting the body’s lymphatic drainage system by connecting tiny lymphatic vessels, with sutures as thin as a human hair, to nearby veins. Think of it as creating a tiny, new detour for the trapped fluid to escape.

This "supermicrosurgery" pushes the boundaries of what the human hand can do. Even the steadiest surgeon is limited by natural hand tremors. This is where the Symani system provides a monumental leap forward. The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robot’s arms. The system filters out any tremor and scales down the surgeon’s movements, translating them into incredibly precise, steady motions. This allows the surgical team to manipulate and suture these microscopic vessels with a level of accuracy that was once impossible, using sutures that are finer than a strand of silk. Amazingly, Nora’s lymphovenous bypass was performed through several incisions less than 2 inches.

“Lymphedema surgery is the ultimate test of a microsurgeon’s skill. We are working with structures that are barely visible to the naked eye,” explains Richard M. Winters, MD, Chair of Plastic Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. “The Symani system gives us unprecedented stability and precision. It allows us to perform these complex lymphatic repairs with a higher degree of confidence and success, offering patients a real chance to reduce their swelling and, in some cases, eliminate the need for lifelong compression garments. It’s truly a paradigm shift in our ability to restore quality of life after cancer and is a tremendous addition to our robust breast reconstruction program.”

For Nora Ambros, this technology wasn't just a concept; it was a lifeline. While undergoing treatment for her right breast, she was told she was a perfect candidate for the new procedure to finally address the lymphedema in her left arm. She became the very first patient to be treated by Dr. Robert Van using the Symani robot at Hackensack.

The procedure was quick and painless. The next day, she was back to work. Now, just two months later, the difference is profound.

“I can’t even believe it when I look in the mirror,” Nora says, her voice filled with emotion. “My arm is significantly smaller. For the first time in decades, I’m wearing short sleeves and I don’t feel like I have to hide. It’s a freedom I thought I’d never have again.”

She is already looking forward to a life without the constant fear of infection and the daily ritual of pulling on her compression sleeve. “To think that I might not have to worry about getting an infection every time I work in the garden, or that I can go to the store without a second thought… it’s life-changing.”

The hospital’s leadership made this major investment with a clear understanding of the profound impact lymphedema has on the community. For patients like Nora, this investment translates directly into a restored quality of life. A successful procedure means more than just a reduction in swelling. It means less pain, a lower risk of infection, and the freedom to live without the constant physical and emotional weight of lymphedema.

“Our commitment to our patients extends far beyond their initial treatment. It’s about helping them live full, healthy lives in survivorship,” said Dr. Winters. “Our community members who have bravely battled cancer now have access to a world-class, life-altering procedure right here at home. At HUMC we are proud to be the home to many fellowship trained microsurgeons with a broad range of subspecialty interests in treating lymphedema and many other complex conditions amenable to microsurgical techniques which are now enhanced by our robotic technology.”

As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nora is eager to share her story. She wants others who are suffering in silence to know that there is new hope.

For more information or to find a provider, click 

Articles

Nora Ambros, a breast cancer survivor, endured severe lymphedema for nearly 30 years following her initial treatment. This condition, affecting many cancer survivors, significantly impacted her quality of life. In 2025, a new breast cancer diagnosis led her to Hackensack University Medical Center, where she became the first patient to undergo a revolutionary robotic microsurgery using the Symani® Surgical System. This advanced technology offers unprecedented precision in treating lymphedema, significantly improving patients' quality of life by reducing swelling and potentially eliminating the need for lifelong compression garments.

After decades of lymphedema, breast cancer survivor Nora Ambros finds relief through robot-assisted microsurgery at Hackensack University.

A Survivor's 30-Year Wait for Lymphedema Relief Ends with Hackensack's New Supermicrosurgery Robotic Procedure

New Jersey Patients Receiving First-of-Its-Kind Catheter Based Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: © stock.adobe.com

A team of oncology experts at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, led by Gregory J. Tiesi, M.D., FACS, FSSO, have successfully treated their first patients using RenovoRx’s novel Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP

) therapy platform. The academic medical center is the first hospital in New Jersey to provide TAMP to patients.

“We are using TAMP to provide pinpointed therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. Tiesi, medical director of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC). “The placement of this special catheter is done by our interventional radiologists, it enables chemotherapy to be delivered across the arterial wall near the tumor site in the pancreas without any of the negative adverse effects that giving the drug to the whole body may cause.” Dr. Tiesi also noted the academic medical center continues to provide traditional pancreatic cancer treatments; surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other targeted therapies, often in combination.

“After my diagnosis, and then going through multiple rounds of chemo- and radiation therapies, my previous oncologist informed my family and me that my prospects for a successful surgical resection were not good. And, if I didn’t want to have the surgery, I didn’t have any further treatment options, given my body’s toxicity levels,” said 

, of Brigantine, NJ, one of the first patients to receive the therapy. The 51-year-old’s sister Jennifer assisted Christopher in finding Dr. Tiesi, so he could receive a second opinion. “I’m thrilled I’m now able to receive this advanced therapy and continue my treatment with Dr. Tiesi at Jersey Shore, close to home.”

, is a FDA-cleared device (catheter) used to ensure precise therapeutic delivery across the arterial wall near the tumor site to bathe the target tumor, while potentially minimizing a therapy’s toxicities versus systemic intravenous therapy. RenovoCath is being used by clinical practitioners and is indicated for temporary vessel occlusion in applications including arteriography, preoperative occlusion, and chemotherapeutic drug infusion. 

“Implementing TAMP therapy marks a new milestone in the personalized, precision cancer care our oncology teams provide our patients,” said 

, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, JSUMC. Buccellato noted that Dr. Tiesi began implanting hepatic artery infusion pumps in patients in 2023, for the treatment of cancers within the liver, including; intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC, bile duct cancer) and colorectal cancer liver metastases, without the negative side effects seen with systemic chemotherapy.

“The ability to improve the way we localize and target therapeutic delivery to difficult-to-treat tumors may be a significant step forward in how we treat cancers in individuals, like those with pancreatic cancer who have exhausted other treatment options,” said JSUMC Surgical Oncologist Anthony Scholer, M.D. FACS, FSSO. “This innovative approach to cancer treatment not only has the potential to improve outcomes for our patients but also may preserve quality of life, which is our ultimate goal.” 

“Jersey Shore remains committed to adopting innovative treatments like TAMP to enhance patient care and expand access to leading-edge, precise cancer therapies,” said 

, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian 

 “Our experts in oncology are proud to offer this advanced option as part of all the available, comprehensive cancer care services.” These include those offered by the Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) at JSUMC; leukemia care, including bone marrow transplant, and access to novel drugs or combinations of drugs as part of phase I clinical trials. “Our patients also have access, through the JTCC, to inpatient stem cell transplantation as well as the latest cell therapy treatments, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy,” Dr. Sable noted. 

For information about TAMP, call 732-776-4470. For more information about cancer care services, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/cancer-care, or for a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.

RenovoRx (Nasdaq: RNXT) is a life sciences company developing innovative targeted oncology therapies and commercializing RenovoCath ® , a novel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared local drug delivery device, targeting high unmet medical needs. RenovoRx’s patented Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP™) therapy platform is designed to ensure targeted therapeutic delivery across the arterial wall near the tumor site to bathe the target tumor, while potentially minimizing a therapy’s toxicities versus systemic intravenous therapy. RenovoRx’s novel approach to targeted treatment offers the potential for increased safety, tolerance, and improved efficacy, and its mission is to transform the lives of cancer patients by providing innovative solutions to enable targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In addition to the RenovoCath device, RenovoRx is also evaluating our novel Phase III drug-device combination oncology product candidate (intra-arterial gemcitabine, known as IAG). IAG is being evaluated under a U.S. investigational new drug application that is regulated by the FDA’s 21 CFR 312 pathway. The investigational IAG utilizes RenovoCath, the Company’s FDA-cleared drug-delivery device, indicated for temporary vessel occlusion in applications including arteriography, preoperative occlusion, and chemotherapeutic drug infusion. The intra-arterial infusion of chemotherapy, gemcitabine, utilizing the RenovoCath device is currently being evaluated for the treatment of LAPC by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (the drug division of FDA). IAG by the RenovoCath catheter is currently under investigation and has not been approved for commercial sale. RenovoCath with gemcitabine received Orphan Drug Designation for pancreatic cancer and bile duct cancer, which provides 7 years of market exclusivity upon new drug application approval by the FDA. RenovoRx is also engaged in implementing commercialization strategies utilizing its TAMP technology and FDA-cleared RenovoCath device as stand-alone device. In December 2024, RenovoRx announced the receipt of its first commercial purchase orders for RenovoCath devices. Additionally, certain of these customers have already initiated repeat orders as RenovoRx works to expand the number of medical institutions that have initiated the process for RenovoCath purchase orders, including several esteemed, high volume National Cancer Institute-designated centers. To meet and satisfy the anticipated demand, RenovoRx will continue to actively explore further revenue-generating activity either on its own or in tandem with a medical device commercial partner. For more information, visit www.renovorx.com. Follow RenovoRx on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. With more than 1,300 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, the academic medical center's team provides high-quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.

Jersey Shore's clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through affiliations with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and St. George’s University School of Medicine. With more than 190 residents and fellows in 19 accredited programs, Jersey Shore advances medical knowledge, trains future physicians and provides the community access to promising medical breakthroughs and clinical trials. The medical center is the first in New Jersey to have implanted a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker and the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System; the world’s smallest pacemaker, and is one of the elite facilities in Monmouth and Ocean counties to perform robotic-assisted, minimally invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Transcarotid Arterial Revascularization. In recent years, Jersey Shore launched a Movement Disorder Program, Neuro-Oncology Program, and opened the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment center — a centralized entry point for patients to access a complete array of neuroscience services. The Center for Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery provides the most advanced treatment options to help restore function in patients from around the world who have suffered from stroke, neuropathy, brachial plexus injuries, diaphragm paralysis and other conditions.

Jersey Shore's HOPE Tower is a 10-story medical office building providing a healing outpatient experience with advanced treatment, imaging and lab services, specialty physician offices and a cancer center. The cancer center features a range of leading-edge treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, Cardio-Oncology Program, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Hackensack University Medical Center’s Organ Transplantation Division provides transplantation services and Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center provides a bone marrow transplant program and nationally recognized blood cancers program.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been ranked by 

 as a Top 10 hospital in New Jersey for 11 consecutive years, including #4 in N.J., #35 in the nation in Obstetrics & Gynecology services, and high-performing in 15 specialties, procedures/conditions for 2024-25. Jersey Shore also received seven consecutive 'A' grades for patient safety from 

 has ranked K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, with Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, as the #1 Children's Hospital in N.J. for three consecutive years, and nationally ranked in Pediatric Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Cancer and Urology. 

 recognizes Jersey Shore as one of America's 250 Best Hospitals (2021-2024), 50 Best for Cardiac Surgery (2024), 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care (2021-2024), 100 Best Hospitals for Gastrointestinal Care (2022-2024), 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care (2023-2024), and with Excellence Awards in Patient Safety (2024), Neurosciences (2021-2024), Bariatric Surgery (2021-2024), Critical Care (2023-2024) and Cranial Neurosurgery (2022-2024). For information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

 is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. The network has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center. With more than 35,000 team members and 7,000 physicians, Hackensack Meridian 

 is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy and committed to the health and well-being of communities throughout New Jersey. 

The network’s notable distinctions include having the only #1 ranked adult and children's hospitals in New Jersey, as ranked by 

, 2024-25. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally-ranked by 

 in eight specialties. To learn more, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org.

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center has successfully implemented RenovoRx's Trans-Arterial Micro-Perfusion (TAMP™) therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer, marking a significant advancement in targeted cancer treatment. TAMP allows precise chemotherapy delivery directly to the tumor site, minimizing systemic toxicity. This innovative approach is part of the center's commitment to personalized cancer care, offering patients new treatment options when traditional therapies are exhausted. The medical center continues to provide comprehensive cancer care, including access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

Experts at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center have successfully treated their first patients using the TAMP™ therapy platform.

Hackensack Meridian Health

A Survivor's 30-Year Wait for Lymphedema Relief Ends with Hackensack's New Supermicrosurgery Robotic Procedure

New Jersey Patients Receiving First-of-Its-Kind Catheter Based Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

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