A new anatomical technique to investigate nerves by imagery

Abstract

We describe a novel post mortem technique that makes it possible to visualise the nerve structure of the brachial plexus using imaging. We dissected in situ the brachial plexus of a cadaver preserved by formaldehyde. A preparation composed of a mixture of baryte powder, water and colorant, was applied to all sides of the brachial plexus and blood vessels of the region under study. A high resolution CT scan was performed. With the aid of Mimics (Materialise) software, segmentation of all the nerve and vascular structures on each of the 650 slices obtained was performed. The Mimics software then compiled all the slices to generate a 3-dimensional STL image. The image obtained was printed with a stereolythography printer, to produce a plastic model representing part of the cervico-thoracic spinal cord, the ribs, sternum, scapula, humerus, and clavicle, with the left brachial plexus and the subclavian, axillary and brachial veins and arteries. This technique has the potential for a wide range of uses: for teaching anatomy, to improve teaching of medical techniques, 3-dimensional modelisation of other nerve structures. The advantage is that the model obtained is a faithful and realistic reproduction.