A Study of the Value of Free Autogenous Splenic Grafts for Stimulating Communications Between the Mammary Vessels and the Coronary Circulation

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Abstract
The mammary artery and mammary vein were transplanted to lie across the anterior aspect of the right and left ventricles of normal and ischemic dog hearts. The mammary artery was used as a potential source of large quantities of arterial blood at a high pressure. A small, free graft of autogenous spleen was placed between the heart and the mammary vessels in an attempt to initiate collateral circulation. The spleen was partly replaced with fibrous tissue. Free vascular communications formed between the mammary vein and the coronary veins in dogs with adequate follow-up time. However, only insignificant connections formed between the mammary artery and the coronary arterial system. Filling of the mammary vein with arterial blood by end-to-end anastomosis with the mammary artery resulted in no collateral channels. Free grafts of spleen might be useful where venous collaterals are desired.