Exteriorized lymphatico-venous shunts in conscious rats.

Surgical techniques for establishing fistulas of the hepatic and intestinal lymphatics and thoracic duct in conscious rats are described. Continuous recirculation of the lymph into the vena cava inferior is performed by a device which measures flow velocity before returning the lymph to the animal through a permanent venous catheter. Clotting is prevented in all cases by constant infusion of an anticoagulant solution (containing heparin or Na-citrate) into the top of the indwelling catheter.