🔍 Key Findings
- Anastomosis of the thoracic duct (TD) to the intercostal vein (ICV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) was feasible in all 6 healthy dogs
- Immediate postoperative patency was confirmed in all dogs, but only 4/6 had patent anastomoses at 30 days, with 2 failing due to ICV kinking
- Kinking of the ICV near the azygos vein insertion was the primary failure mechanism, likely from MAC malalignment
- No intraoperative or major postoperative complications occurred, though 2 dogs developed mild seromas
- Use of the MAC device simplified microsurgical anastomosis versus hand suturing, especially in the deep thoracic cavity
- Contrast lymphangiography showed faster clearance from the cisterna chyli postoperatively, suggesting effective flow redirection
- Persistent branches of the thoracic duct may impact outcomes, and should be ligated during surgery
- This technique may be a potential novel treatment for idiopathic chylothorax, improving outcomes by reducing collateral flow stimuli
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
🔍 Key Findings
- Anastomosis of the thoracic duct (TD) to the intercostal vein (ICV) using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) was feasible in all 6 healthy dogs
- Immediate postoperative patency was confirmed in all dogs, but only 4/6 had patent anastomoses at 30 days, with 2 failing due to ICV kinking
- Kinking of the ICV near the azygos vein insertion was the primary failure mechanism, likely from MAC malalignment
- No intraoperative or major postoperative complications occurred, though 2 dogs developed mild seromas
- Use of the MAC device simplified microsurgical anastomosis versus hand suturing, especially in the deep thoracic cavity
- Contrast lymphangiography showed faster clearance from the cisterna chyli postoperatively, suggesting effective flow redirection
- Persistent branches of the thoracic duct may impact outcomes, and should be ligated during surgery
- This technique may be a potential novel treatment for idiopathic chylothorax, improving outcomes by reducing collateral flow stimuli
Simini Surgery Review Podcast
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