Microsurgical assessment of thymus vascular anatomy

Background: The thymus is pivotal for immune system development by facilitating T-cell maturation. Current treatments for congenital athymia typically involve avascular transplantation of allogeneic thymic tissue. However, vascularizing an infant thymus for transplantation could offer improved outcomes, necessitating a detailed understanding of its vascular anatomy. Method: Between June and November 2022, we conducted a feasibility study at our tertiary care university hospital, examining seven thymus glands that were surgically removed and discarded during corrective surgeries for congenital heart disease in patients aged 16 days to 17 months. Results: Angiographic analysis revealed distinct vascular pathways in infant thymic lobes, with arteries averaging 0.5 mm and veins 0.8 mm in diameter, both showing adequate perfusion with Belzer solution. Conclusion: These findings provide critical insights into the vascular anatomy of the infant thymus, underscoring its potential for microvascular revascularization and transplantation.