Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
07:36

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Chylothorax following cardiac surgery caused by unusual lymphatic anatomy

Pradeep Narayan1, Natasha Rahaman, Thomas F Molnar

  • 1Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom.

Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|October 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare cause of chylothorax from aberrant thymic lymphatic channels during left internal thoracic artery harvest is presented. Early surgical intervention, including ligation and shunt placement, successfully managed this high-volume chyle leak.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic surgery
  • Vascular anatomy
  • Lymphatic system disorders

Background:

  • Injury to the thoracic duct during left internal thoracic artery harvest can cause chylothorax.
  • Aberrant lymphatic channels in the anterior mediastinum are not commonly recognized as a source of chyle leakage.

Observation:

  • A case of significant chyle leakage was observed.
  • The leakage originated from an aberrant thymic collateral lymphatic channel in the anterior mediastinum, distinct from the thoracic duct.

Findings:

  • The aberrant lymphatic channel was successfully identified and ligated.
  • A pleuro-peritoneal shunt was inserted to manage the chyle effusion.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a previously undescribed cause of chylothorax.
  • Early surgical exploration and targeted ligation are effective management strategies for this specific condition.
  • Understanding aberrant thymic lymphatic anatomy is crucial for thoracic surgeons.

Related Concept Videos

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport01:16

Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...