Feasibility of thoracoscopic attenuation of the azygos vein as a model for portoazygos shunts: A canine cadaveric study.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of thoracoscopic placement of three vascular attenuation devices by using the azygos vein as a model for portoazygos (PA) shunts and to describe the approach for thoracoscopic placement of these attenuation devices in small breed dogs.

Study Design: Randomized, prospective, cadaveric study.

Animals: Cadavers of 10 adult small breed dogs.