Sudden obstruction of the inferior vena cava above both kidneys has been found to be fatal in dogs, whereas ligation is well borne when carried out below the renal veins. A method is described whereby complete closure of the vena cava above both renal veins was successfully carried out.
Ligation of the inferior vena cava produces various effects, depending on factors which affect the adequacy of collateral circulation, namely, the site of ligation, suddenness of occlusion and species and age of the animal.1 The site of ligation relative to the kidneys is of prime importance because of the enormous blood flow through the kidneys; it has been found that survival depends largely on the degree of compromise of the renal circulation.2
There is general agreement that ligation of the renal vein is followed by progressive atrophy of the kidney and decrease or complete cessation of all urinary secretion,