Skip to main content
Fig. 3 | BMC Veterinary Research

Fig. 3

From: Techniques for thoracic duct cannulation without thoracotomy in piglets

Fig. 3

Sketch of thoracic duct cannulation (a) and a photograph (b) of a cannula in the thoracic duct at the cranial thorax on the left side. The cannula was inserted into the thoracic duct from a cut into the upstream end of the ampulla. After inserting the cannula into the thoracic duct, the cannula was then gently pushed forward until its bevelled leading end passed the junction of the costocervical trunk and subclavian artery. The bevelled end of the cannula is placed in the segment of the thoracic duct medial to the second to third rib as this position has more space and is free of major blood vessels. (b) Dissections were performed to confirm the insertion of a cannula in the thoracic duct following a thoracic duct cannulation surgery. This photograph of the cranial thorax shows a cannula in a segment of the thoracic duct elevated by a pair of forceps. Since the cannula was in the thoracic duct, the pressure of lifting it up did not cause the lymphatic to collapse where it was supported by the forceps. The cannula could be pushed gently far enough so that its bevelled leading end reached the segment of the thoracic duct medial to the 2nd to 3rd ribs. (a) thoracic aorta; (b) cranial vena cava; (c) subclavian artery; (d) brachiocephalic trunk; (e) external jugular vein; (f) subclavian vein; (g) costocervical trunk; (h) 2nd rib; (i) costocervical vein; (j) first rib; (k) thoracic duct; (l) lung

Back to article page