The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 19, 415-425, Copyright © 1975 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Experimental pulmonary venous occlusion
TH Ong and MM Ravitch
Complete interruption of pulmonary venous return from the left lung in
rabbits is compatible in some instances with prolonged survival with little
systemic effect. The main cause of death less than 48 hours after
interruption of pulmonary venous return is pulmonary-pulmonary aspiration
and respiratory insufficiency due to spillover of frothy, bloody fluid,
after which infection may play a part. Marked anemia after unilateral
pulmonary venous ligation attests to the loss of blood into the lung. Death
from unilateral pulmonary venous ligation did not occur if the
corresponding main bronchus was ligated to prevent pulmonary-pulmonary
aspiration; Despite ligation of the pulmonary veins the corresponding
pulmonary artery remained patent.