A modification for preparing the chronic lung-lymph fistula in sheep

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Abstract
The sheep lung-lymph model has proven to be a valuable research tool. Preparing this model can be time consuming and may cause considerable trauma to the animal. The standard procedure of Staub et al., the only other published technique, requires three thoracotomies performed on three separate occasions. The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a less traumatic and time-consuming surgical protocol for preparing the lung-lymph model. This technique enables us to cannulate the efferent lymph duct draining the lung, divide the caudal mediastinal lymph node, and catheterize the left atrium with one thoracotomy. The modified approach, along with some minor changes in aftercare, enables us to have a success rate of over 70% with an average patent flow of 8 days (range 3–21 days) and saves time and surgical trauma to the animal.