Thoracic Duct Embolization

The thoracic duct embolization (TDE) is a minimally invasive, image guided procedure comprises of several steps.

The objective of TDE is to close the main lymphatic duct in order to prevent leakage of the lymph from it into pleural or bronchithoracic ductal space.

TDE starts with intranodal lymphangiography, in order to deliver the contrast agent to opacify the lymphatic system for intervention.

After the lymphatic system is opacified, it is accessed transabdominal using very small (21-22 G) needle under fluoroscopy guidance, following by advancing of the wire and catheter into the thoracic duct.

After the catheter is positioned in the thoracic duct, the contrast is injected in order to identify the lymphatic anatomy and pathology.

The duct then embolized with endovascular coils and medical glue.