Technique for performing direct lymphangiography in pigs.
OBJECTIVE
The authors developed a porcine model for direct lymphangiography to be used as a reference for lymph node harvesting.


METHODS
A pilot animal was studied first to develop the protocol, which was used successfully in 24 pigs. An indicator dye was first injected into each foot to make the lymphatic vessels visible. Then, ethiodized poppy seed oil was injected directly through cutdowns in both groins. Radiographs were obtained before and after lymph node harvesting.


RESULTS
Images were of diagnostic quality in all animals. The pilot animal developed transient respiratory distress, which was thought to be due to the oil-based contrast material. The amount injected was reduced by half, and no episodes occurred thereafter in the study group. There were no other immediate or delayed complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Direct lymphangiography is safe, easy, and reliable in a porcine model.
Hovsepian
D M
DM
Department of Radiology, Washington University Medical Center, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Wu
J S
JS
Herzog
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005528:Foot; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000601:surgery*; D008220:Lymphography / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013552:Swine; D016748:Venous Cutdown
D007202:Indicators and Reagents