Surgical Technique of Left Lung Reimplantation in the Dog

Abstract

The instrumentation and technique for reimplantation of the left lung of 6 dogs was described in detail. Thoracic radiographs made during the first 3 postoperative days consistently showed scattered areas of consolidation in the 3 left lung lobes characteristic of alveolar and interstitial infiltrates. Following a peak reaction at 3–5 days postoperatively, the infiltrates gradually resolved at a variable rate and disappeared completely within 2 weeks. All dogs were euthanized 14 days after operation and postmortem examinations were performed. No stenosis was noted in the bronchial, arterial, and atrial anastomoses. Histopathologic examination by light microscopy of lung tissue indicated no abnormalities. Arterial blood gases and pH, and mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures determined immediately prior to euthanasia were within normal limits.