Establishing an esophago-pleural fistula disease model in rabbits with a magnetic compression technique

Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the esophageal pleural fistula modeling process. A: The primary operative site (marked yellow); B: Insertion of a 20 mL syringe-connected catheter into the thoracic cavity; C: After injecting 20 mL of air to create space for operation, the transthoracic magnet holder and the transoral magnet holder were inserted; D: Magnetic force pulls the magnets together, compressing the tissue in between; E: A cross-sectional view at the xiphoid level of the thorax; F: Surgical closure after removal of both magnet holders; G: Magnets naturally fall off within 6-8 days postoperatively.