Room temperature resin casting technique, a low cost and effective teaching tool in human anatomy

Abstract

Objectives: To develop a cost effective optimal technique to preserve human tissues in a manner that detailed anatomy and almost all relevant properties are retained. Methods: The study was done in the department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The tissues are initially preserved using formalin to stop the decaying since soft tissues are subjected to rapid decomposition. The water content is significantly removed using series of 99.9% pure acetone baths while maintaining the original tissue architecture. Dehydrated tissue part is embedded in a degassed clear liquid resin after mixing with the catalyst, which will polymerized into a solid resin cast. Results: In this invention, dehydrated human tissues, while preserving the original shape and volume are embedded in a clear synthetic resin cast. Follow up has been done over 3 years to date. No significance change has occurred in preserved specimens were observed. This is an appropriate method for preserving human body cross-sections at specific vertebral levels. The specimens are more durable than other specimen preservation methods used in Sri Lanka, tissue waste is minimum and there by the cost of preservation and maintenance of cadavers are reduced drastically. Currently these resin casts are used for teaching/learning activities in department of Aanatomy, FMS, USJP. Conclusions: Undoubtedly the detailed anatomy is best learned by cadaver dissections. But resin casting is a highly successful, cost effective supplementary method of teaching/learning gross and cross sectional Anatomy with no exposure to formalin.