Novel Cadaver Injection Method Using Latex and Magnetic Fluid

Abstract

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.

High-Fidelity Perforator Visualization for Cadaver Dissection in Surgical Training

“…17 was toxic and required a fumigation hood. Watanabe et al described a method of using magnetic dye 9 to help improve uptake of dye into the cadaver, but we found that such methods were expensive, and would be difficult to obtain. Latex was a cheap, water-soluble, flexible, and elastic product; hence, it was our preferred choice.…”

“…This simple application of physics would also obviate the need for injection pumps that are costly or avoid the use of special magnetic devices to push fluid along. 9 10 In the case of veins, the valvular patency has to be considered. Retrograde preparation and infusion of the vein may not be possible and could even rupture the vein due to the presence of valves.…”

“…17. 9 10 Acrylic paint, by itself, did not cure well, and tended to leak into surrounding tissue very easily. Gelatin was water-soluble but lost its color intensity fast.…”