Development of an ovine efferent mammary lymphatic cannulation model with minimal tissue damage

Abstract

Background: Two mammary lymphatic cannulation models in sheep have been described with minimal use in the past 50years. The purpose of this study was to investigate a new surgical technique to allow long term monitoring of mammary lymph flow and composition from the mammary glands, with rapid ewe recovery and minimal complications post-surgery. Results: We developed a modified methodology for cannulating the efferent mammary lymphatic from the mammary lymph node with minimum tissue damage. Compared to the previous models, our method required only a small incision on the aponeurosis of the external abdominal oblique muscles and thus reduced the difficulties in suturing the aponeurosis. It all..