Peculiarities in realizing hepatic corrosion casts

Abstract

The vasculo-ductal architecture of the parenchymatous organs can be studied in good conditions by the examination of corrosion casts. These are realized by the injection of the vasculo-ductal systems with different kinds of plastic masses. We used for a long time the paste AGO II (methacrylate of methyl paste) – that needs 24 h to be injected. In the last 4 years (since the year 2002), we used TECHNOVIT 7143. Its polymerization time is very short, 10–15 minutes, respectively. In order to realize quality hepatic corrosion casts we performed some changes concerning the injection technique, as described afterwards. The first preparing manoeuvre is the application of cannules of the whole vasculo-ductal elements. The injection is performed by the immersion of the anatomic piece, in order to preserve the organ’s size. The first injected organ is the portal hepatic vein, and the second is represented by the system of the inferior vena cava with the hepatic veins. Both injections are separated by a 30 minutes brake necessary for the polymerization. The injection of the proper hepatic artery and the system of the intrahepatic biliary ducts is realized in the next stage, respecting the same brake between the injections. The corrosion of the hepatic parenchyma is realized after 24 h, with hydrochloric acid, during a period of 5–7 days. It is interrupted by 3–4 hydro-dissections stages, necessary for eliminating some macerated parenchyma zones (Supported by CEEX 175/2006).