Compression of arteries via an esophagostoma as an aid to electromagnetic blood flow measurement

To obtain the zero flow signal in chronic electromagnetic blood flow measurements in the internal mammary artery (I.M.A.) of the dog, digital occlusion of the blood vessel via a low cervical esophagostoma is used. By this method implantation of an occluding device and resulting injury to the vessel can be avoided. The technique of the esophagostomy and the postoperative care of the animals are described. The I.M.A. as well as a number of other arteries in the upper part of the thorax can be easily compressed by this method. It is suggested that compression of arteries via the digestive tract is a method also applicable to other parts of the body.