Experimental lymphatico-venous shunt in the rat: pressure controls and long-term patency

In a series of rats which underwent end-to-side lymphaticovenous shunts, between precaval lymphatic collector and infrarenal cava vein, pressure values in lymphatic and venous systems and long-term patency of the anastomosis have been evaluated. Lymphatic pressure has always been higher than venous pressure, providing a good physiological basis for the functioning of the shunt. Short-term patency (15 days) was 100% and long-term patency (90 days) 80% in all the controlled animals. The results obtained in this experimental model seem to support the efficacy of this procedure also in its clinical use.