Editor: Persistent high-output chylothorax can result in life-threatening malnutrition and metabolic deterioration. A minimally invasive approach is desirable for patients, many of whom are already medically fragile as a result of the underlying disease. In recent years, percutaneous transab-dominal thoracic duct procedures, such as embolization or needle disruption, have been reported with good clinical outcomes (1-4). These procedures are feasible and less invasive than surgical thoracic duct ligation; however, they are difficult in patients who do not have a distinct cisterna chyli. Additionally, patients with a coagulation abnormality have a risk of hemorrhage with a transhepatic or transintestinal approach. We describe two patients with persistent chylothorax in whom embolization of the thoracic duct was successfully performed via a transvenous retrograde approach. Our institution did not require institutional review board approval for this retrospective technical report. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients before the procedure.
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