A TECHNICAL MODIFICATION TO IMPROVE EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF HEPATOGENIC ASCITES

Abstract

Constriction of the thoracic inferior vena
cava is a useful experimental maneuver to
reproduce massive ascites. Unfortunately, the
margin of safety of this technique is narrow in
that too much constriction overly restricts
venous return with subsequent shock and death,
and lesser constriction is often associated with
extensive venous collateralization via the azygos
system and failure to sustain hepatic congestion.
By combining azygos vein ligation with 50%
constriction of the supradiaphragmatic inferior
vena caval circumference at the time of the
initial thoracotomy, we have found that intense
hepatic congestion is sustained and that dogs
consistently develop massive ascites within 2-3
weeks.