Thoracic duct lymph and lymphocyte studies in man using a thoracic duct “side-fistula”

Abstract

A technique for cannulation of the cervical thoracic duct in man is described. It leaves the thoracic duct circulation unimpaired and allows repetitive lymph sampling without loss. This technique can be used to study the re-circulating pool of long-lived lymphocytes and thereby help to evaluate better the immunologic status of cancer patients. The technique of side-cannulation has been used in one patient. Thoracic duct lymphocytes labelled with 51Cr were reinfused IV and were recovered in the thoracic duct in a stable number over a 5-day study, thereby demonstrating a recirculating lymphocyte pool in man and the applicability of the side-cannulation to its study.