Cardiac Lymph Flow Features and New Opportunities for Their Experimental Visualization

The aim of this study was to describe the features of myocardial lymph flow using a new combined method of visualization of the lymphatic system. The study was performed on pig hearts harvested from a local slaughterhouse. The original dye, consisting of lipid-soluble chlorophyll and lipiodol, was injected stepwise into the lymphatic vessels. After sufficient optical identification of the lymphatic vessels, continuous injection of air into the coronary arteries was performed and CT scans were done. In this way, both optical and radiologic visibility of the cardiac lymphatic system was achieved. It was shown that lymph flow of the left and most part of the right ventricle is carried out through lymphatic collectors of the anterior wall of the heart, including retrogradely with respect to the right coronary artery, which complements the previously known facts about the structure of the lymphatic system of the heart.