Thiel embalming in neonates: methodology and benefits in medical training

Francisco Sanchez-Ferrer,Francisco Sánchez-Del-Campo,Maria Dolores Grima-Murcia,Eduardo Fernández-Jover,Maria Luisa Sánchez-Ferrer

doi:10.1007/s12565-022-00650-1

Abstract

Current teaching and training methods for surgical techniques in the pediatric population involve artificial models (manikins), animals or adult human cadavers embalmed using various techniques. We found no references in the literature concerning the use of the Thiel method in the pediatric population. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the viability of using pediatric human cadavers embalmed through Thiel’s technique and to compare them with standard pediatric manikins. After donation of a 24-week stillborn, the Thiel technique was carried out for fixation following the usual protocol. A video recording with eye-tracking glasses was used to perform an examination, and techniques. The same procedures were conducted on a pediatric manikin. Medical students, medical residents and physicians were asked to respond to questions in an online survey after being shown the video. A total of 92 responses were obtained. The Thiel-embalmed stillborn was assessed as superior to the manikin in all items. Our study confirmed that this technique is feasible even with extremely small donors. The value of this form of preservation for medical training is not widely known though it is receiving increasing interest. Our results show that Thiel fixation in pediatrics is clearly more highly valued than a manikin and offers great potential. This innovative application of the Thiel method in the pediatric population is technically possible. It poses no additional difficulties and is very positively assessed for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Highlights

Human cadavers are used for the study of human anatomy
This study examines the potential use of Thiel embalming for pediatric cadavers donated to science
Once the cadaver was received in the department, the infusion was performed by cannulating the umbilical vessels with the different fluids used in Thiel’s technique, which include monopropylene glycol, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfite, boric acid, chlorocresol, formaldehyde, alcohol and morphine (Thiel 1992a, b, 2002; Eisma and Wilkinson 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Human cadavers are used for the study of human anatomy. They play an important role as anatomicalFrancisco Sánchez Ferrer and Grima Murcia contributed to this work.Elche, CIBER BBN, Elche, Spain 5 Pediatric Service, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, SanJuan de Alicante University Hospital (Alicante, Spain), Carretera Nacional 332, Alicante‐Valencia s/n, 03550 Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain models in situations where it is impractical, illegal, or unethical to work with patients, as is the case with surgical specialty training or intensive care unit techniques (Jaung et al 2011; Groscurth et al 2001). Human cadavers are used for the study of human anatomy. They play an important role as anatomical. The use of cadavers is helpful in the preclinical development of instruments and procedures, enabling products to be tested safely without risk to patients but with a high degree of similarity. Other models such as augmented or virtual reality (Kugelmann et al 2018), 3D printed models, animals or manikins are used, it is difficult to achieve the degree of realism offered by the human body. The bodies donated for scientific and training purposes, generously bequeathed by donors, are known as “silent teachers” (Eisma and Wilkinson 2014)

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Results

Conclusion