Revascularization of the spinal cord by micro-anastomoses in dogs

The severity of ischemic lesions in the spinal cord justifies attempts at its surgical revascularization. The experiments consisted of: (1) creating devascularization of the conus medullaris by ligation of all the lumbo-sacral collaterals of the aorta, and (2) revascularizing the lumbo-sacral rachidian circulation by performing an end-to-side anastomosis between the caudal mesenteric artery and the 5th left lumbar artery (from which in the dog the Adamkiewicz artery generally arises). After two-months, the patency rate of the 20 cases was 85%. Such a procedure of revascularization could be useful in man in cases of interruption of the arterial supply of the spinal cord.