Lymphatic Interventions Postcardiac Surgeries

Introduction: The purpose of this educational exhibit is to review several disorders with lymphatic abnormalities and complications postcardiac surgery, such as chylothorax and lymphatic leak in protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis and the role of embolization with comparison to other modalities.

Method(s): Although hypoproteinemia of protein-losing enteropathy can be treated with dietary modifications, liver lymphatic duct embolization has shown to increase albumin levels by preventing hepatic lymph leak into the duodenum. Lymphatic flow is impaired in plastic bronchitis and can be treated by embolizing the pulmonary lymphatics. Postcardiac surgery complications such as chylothorax and lymphatic leak are another indication for lymphatic interventions.

Result(s): We present a demonstration of the potential role of postcardiac lymphatic interventions and their efficacy with regards to protein-losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis and their effects on the treatment outcomes.

Conclusion(s): Clinical efficacy of percutaneous minimally invasive procedures of embolizing defects in the lymphatic system in the context of protein losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023