Fibravasc: a method to assess the vascularization of main white matter fiber tracts

Abstract

Advances in the techniques for assessing human cerebral white matter have recently contributed to greater attention to structural connectivity. Yet, little is known about the vascularization of most white matter fasciculi and the fascicular composition of the vascular territories. This paper presents an original method to label the arterial supply of macroscopic white matter fasciculi based on a standardized protocol for post-mortem injection of colored material combined with a novel fiber dissection technique. A detailed description of every step, from obtaining the specimen to image acquisition of its dissection, is provided. Injection and dissection results show the reproducibility and feasibility of the protocol. In addition, we discuss the challenges we faced and overcame during the development of the presented method, highlight its originality, and briefly review the white matter's place in modern clinical practice and research.