Mesenterico-caval shunt in rats

Abstract

A microsurgical technique for mesenterico-caval shunting in the rat is described. The method results in a portal blood drainage from the upper abdominal contents whereas the blood of the mesenteric vein is shunted to the inferior caval vein. Controls were undertaken after 1 and 3 weeks, either visually or radiologically. Twenty-two of 26 surviving animals showed patency of the shunt. All animals had undisturbed blood supply to the portal stump.