Latex Injection of Cadaver Heads: Technical Note

Alvernia, Jorge E.; Pradilla, Gustavo; Mertens, Patrick; Lanzino, Giuseppe; Tamargo, Rafael J.

doi:10.1227/neu.0b013e3181f8c247

Cited by 52 publications

(98 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Six cryopreserved and 6 formaldehydeembalmed specimens were prepared according to conventional processing techniques for neurosurgical research. 2 Six additional specimens were prepared using our customized embalming solution. A standard pterional approach was performed in all specimens to compare brain compressibility, retraction profile, and preservation time.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Novel embalming solution for neurosurgical simulation in cadavers

Benet

Rincón-Torroella

Lawton

et al. 2014

JNS

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Object Surgical simulation using postmortem human heads is one of the most valid strategies for neurosurgical research and training. The authors customized an embalming formula that provides an optimal retraction profile and lifelike physical properties while preventing microorganism growth and brain decay for neurosurgical simulations in cadavers. They studied the properties of the customized formula and compared its use with the standard postmortem processing techniques: cryopreservation and formaldehyde-based embalming. Methods Eighteen specimens were prepared for neurosurgical simulation: 6 formaldehyde embalmed, 6 cryopreserved, and 6 custom embalmed. The customized formula is a mixture of ethanol 62.4%, glycerol 17%, phenol 10.2%, formaldehyde 2.3%, and water 8.1%. After a standard pterional craniotomy, retraction profiles and brain stiffness were studied using an intracranial pressure transducer and monitor. Preservation time—that is, time that tissue remained in optimal condition—between specimen groups was also compared through periodical reports during a 48-hour simulation. Results The mean (± standard deviation) retraction pressures were highest in the formaldehyde group and lowest in the cryopreserved group. The customized formula provided a mean retraction pressure almost 3 times lower than formaldehyde (36 ± 3 vs 103 ± 14 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and very similar to cryopreservation (24 ± 6 mm Hg, p < 0.01). For research purposes, preservation time in the cryopreserved group was limited to 4 hours and was unlimited for the customized and formaldehyde groups for the duration of the experiment. Conclusions The customized embalming solution described herein is optimal for allowing retraction and surgical maneuverability while preventing decay. The authors were able to significantly lower the formaldehyde content as compared with that in standard formulas. The custom embalming solution has the benefits from both cryopreservation (for example, biological brain tissue properties) and formaldehyde embalming (for example, preservation time and microorganism growth prevention) and minimizes their drawbacks, that is, rapid decay in the former and stiffness in the latter. The presented embalming formula provides an important advance for neurosurgical simulations in research and teaching.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cervical arteries and jugular veins in the embalmed groups were cannulated according to previously described methods. 2,17 Arterial and venous systems were cleaned using saline solution until contralateral outflow was clear. This procedure was repeated bilaterally on each cannulated vessel, alternating arterial and venous irrigation.…”

Section: Head Preparationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel embalming solution for neurosurgical simulation in cadavers

Benet

Rincón-Torroella

Lawton

et al. 2014

JNS

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“…13 Nowadays, colored silicone and latex injections have largely replaced other techniques of injecting cadaveric heads. 1,18 Ridley developed innovative and effective methods of tissue dissection. In the preface of his book while describing the methods, he stated, "Some of [the cadavers] have been upon subjects in their natural, some in their morbid, some upon those of untimely death; and on those last sometimes whist the natural fluids remained in their proper vessels, though after a preternatural manner occasioned by strangulation; sometimes when in the room thereof, other bodies have been introduced by injection, as tinged wax and mercury, the first of which by its consistence chiefly, the other by its permanent nature and color, contribute mightily towards bringing to view the most minute ramifications of vessels, and secret recesses of Nature."…”

Section: Selective Cerebrovascular Cadaveric Injectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the use of selective colored cerebrovascular injections in cadaver dissections has recently become a routine practice to enhance the cerebral vasculature, it is an old art that was introduced more than 300 years ago. 1,8,13,14,16,18 Humphrey Ridley, M.D. (1653-1708), a British physician in the 17th century, injected mercury and tinged wax into the cerebral veins of freshly executed criminals, taking advantage of the considerable venous engorgement to demonstrate the anatomy of the venous plexus of the skull base.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Humphrey Ridley (1653–1708): 17th century evolution in neuroanatomy and selective cerebrovascular injections for cadaver dissection

Thakur

Sonig²,

Chittiboina³

et al. 2012

FOC

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Humphrey Ridley, M.D. (1653–1708), is a relatively unknown historical figure, belonging to the postmedieval era of neuroanatomical discovery. He was born in the market town of Mansfield, 14 miles from the county of Nottinghamshire, England. After studying at Merton College, Oxford, he pursued medicine at Leiden University in the Netherlands. In 1688, he was incorporated as an M.D. at Cambridge. Ridley authored the first original treatise in English language on neuroanatomy, The Anatomy of the Brain Containing its Mechanisms and Physiology: Together with Some New Discoveries and Corrections of Ancient and Modern Authors upon that Subject. Ridley described the venous anatomy of the eponymous circular sinus in connection with the parasellar compartment. His methods were novel, unique, and effective. To appreciate the venous anatomy, he preferred to perform his anatomical dissections on recently executed criminals who had been hanged. These cadavers had considerable venous engorgement, which made the skull base venous anatomy clearer. To enhance the appearance of the cerebral vasculature further, he used tinged wax and quicksilver in the injections. He set up experimental models to answer questions definitively, in proving that the arachnoid mater is a separate meningeal layer. The first description of the subarachnoid cisterns, blood-brain barrier, and the fifth cranial nerve ganglion with its branches are also attributed to Ridley. This historical vignette revisits Ridley's life and academic work that influenced neuroscience and neurosurgical understanding in its infancy. It is unfortunate that most of his novel contributions have gone unnoticed and uncited. The authors hope that this article will inform the neurosurgical community of Ridley's contributions to the field of neurosurgery.

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“…Although various injection methods have been proposed, they differ in terms of the contrast media and agents used, which include barium sulfate and gelatin [1], colored latex [2,3], latex and barium [4], lead oxide with gelatin [5,6], and silicone rubber (Microfil; Flow Tech Inc., South Windsor, CT) [7,8]. These vascular agents are usually injected into fresh cadavers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel Cadaver Injection Method Using Latex and Magnetic Fluid

et al. 2017

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Summary:Vascular injection into extracted tissue may be associated with leakage due to excessive local injection pressure. Historically, this complication has been impossible to resolve because the injection pressure has been the only available force with which to send the agent to the peripheral vasculature. We have developed a new vascular injection method that utilizes a material affected by magnetic force and is therefore not solely dependent upon the injection pressure.We mixed the same weights of latex and magnetic fluid and injected the solution into the arterial stump of an extracted tissue specimen. Next, we used a permanent magnet to attract the agent into the peripheral vasculature. We repeated the injection and magnetic application until no further fluid could be injected.We used this method in 20 formalin-fixed tissue specimens. The vessels were clearly observable through to the peripheral areas, and leakage from the injected artery was minimal.This new agent has several beneficial characteristics: it is X-ray impermeable, is durable in the face of chemical insult, and allows for easy visual observation. The injected tissue can be studied for X-ray film examination, tissue clarification, and gross anatomical dissection. Additionally, this method can be applied to both fresh and formalin-fixed tissue. We consider that this method has the potential to expand the applications of injection studies.

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Latex Injection of Cadaver Heads: Technical Note

Abstract: Latex injection of cadaveric heads based on indirect anatomic and physiological assessment of the vasculature of the specimen during the water irrigation phase results in outstanding specimens for microanatomical studies.

Cited by 52 publications

References 8 publications

Novel embalming solution for neurosurgical simulation in cadavers

Novel embalming solution for neurosurgical simulation in cadavers

Humphrey Ridley (1653–1708): 17th century evolution in neuroanatomy and selective cerebrovascular injections for cadaver dissection

Novel Cadaver Injection Method Using Latex and Magnetic Fluid

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