Human body preservation – old and new techniques

Abstract

This review deals with the art of (anatomical) embalming. The first part contains a brief historical review of the history of embalming, starting with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the lesser known Chinchorro culture, then going down the centuries and describing the anatomical techniques developed over the last two centuries. The second part deals in detail with the chemicals used for embalming purposes. The third part deals with several approaches to evaluating embalming methods, their suitability for biomechanical testing, antimicrobial properties, histological appearance, and usability. The fourth and final part analyze the European Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) in the light of embalming.

Würde und Selbstbestimmung über den Tod hinaus

“…Hier ist vor allem die 5300 Jahre alte Gletschermumie "Ötzi" zu erwähnen, eine durch natürliche Gefriertrocknung erhaltene Leiche aus der Steinzeit (Kutschera & Rom 2000). Auch trockene Hitze, die zu einer Austrocknung des Körpers führt und die Fäulnisbildung verhindert, konserviert bei ausreichender Luftzirkulation die Leichen (Brenner 2014 (Thiel 1992 (Lischka et al 1979) und erhöhen den Sicherheitsfaktor. Da bisher fraglich ist, ob die derzeit durchgeführten Konservierungsmaßnahmen auch entartete körpereigene Proteine, sog.…”

A modified S10B silicone plastination method for preparation and preservation of scaled reptile specimens

“…It was stated that PEG is not only an effective fixative agent, but also it can prevent the mould growth in the specimens and provide disinfectant activity as well via increasing the penetration ability of formalin solution (1,6,7,14,19). Although we couldn't find a previous study indicating the superficial application of PEG on plastination process, covering with PEG 400 was considered as efficacious not only to prevent the adhesion of excess paddings to the outer surface of the skin, but also to avoid drying and mould activity.…”

“…Besides, PEG 400 helped us to prevent the adhesion of excess paddings to the skin and also enhance the penetration ability of formalin solution (6,7,14,19). Polyethylene glycol 400 coated cadavers were kept in +4 °C for 6 hours for full concretion of padding.…”

Plastinates: Possible Tool for Medical Education in the Near Future: Mini Review

“…Opaque brain slices: produced with polyester resins and used to differentiate fibers and nuclear areas (P35). 3. Forced Impregnation: This is the most important step in plastination; it is the replacement of the intermediary solvents (acetone or methylene chloride) with curable polymers (silicon, epoxy resin, polyester) in a vacuum.…”

“…2 Preserved tissues, organs, body parts and the entire body are the most important educational tools in anatomy education as they have unique properties that gives them superiority over plastic models. 3 Despite the advantages of formalin preserved specimens over plastic models, there are several disadvantages with the use and handling of formalin preserved specimens, including repulsive and irritating smells, loss of color associated with long term use, and difficulty in retaining the three dimensional orientation of hollow and branching specimens. 4 In order to tackle the problem of the odor of formalin preserved specimens and to minimize contact with potentially carcinogenic formaldehyde vapor, other techniques of preserving body parts for teaching purposes have been explored.…”