Abstract

The quality of tissue preservation in Thiel embalmed bodies varies. Research on the administered embalming volume and its vascular distribution may elucidate one of the mechanisms of tissue preservation and allow for new applications of Thiel embalming. Vascular embalming with (group 1, n = 15) or without (group 2, n = 20) contrast agent was initiated in pig kidneys. The distribution of Thiel embalming solution in group 1 was visualized using computed tomography. The kidneys in both groups were then immersed in concentrated salt solutions to reduce their weight and volume. Afterwards, to mimic a lifelike circulation in the vessels, group 2 underwent pump-driven reperfusion for 120 minutes with either paraffinum perliquidum or diluted polyethylene glycol. The circulation was imaged with computed tomography. All of the kidneys were adequately preserved. The embalming solution spread diffusely in the kidney, but fluid accumulation was present. Subsequent immersion in concentrated salt solutions reduced weight (P < 0.01) and volume (P < 0.01). Reperfusion for 120 minutes was established in group 2. Paraffinum perliquidum filled both major vessels and renal tissue, whereas diluted polyethylene glycol spread widely in the kidney. There were no increases in weight (P = 0.26) and volume (P = 0.79); and pressure further decreased (P = 0.032) after more than 60 minutes of reperfusion with paraffinum perliquidum, whereas there were increases in weight (P = 0.005), volume (P = 0.032) and pressure (P < 0.0001) after reperfusion with diluted polyethylene glycol. Arterial embalming of kidneys results in successful preservation due to complete parenchymatous spreading. More research is needed to determine whether other factors affect embalming quality. Dehydration is an effective method to regain the organs’ initial status. Prolonged vascular reperfusion with paraffinum perliquidum can be established in this model without increases in weight, volume and pressure.

Highlights

  • In 1992, Thiel reported a new soft embalming technique, which presently consists of vascular perfusion followed by immersion in a bath for at least two months [1, 2]

  • We clearly demonstrate that both paraffinum perliquidum (PP) and diluted polyethylene glycol (PEG) effectively circulate in this kidney model

  • The results indicated that PP clearly fills the major vessels and renal tissue, whereas diluted PEG more diffusely spreads in the kidney

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Summary

Introduction

In 1992, Thiel reported a new soft embalming technique, which presently consists of vascular perfusion followed by immersion in a bath for at least two months [1, 2]. This technique is exceptional because the colour, consistency and transparency of the tissues are very well preserved. Preservation is long-lasting and no harmful substances are released into the environment [1]. This soft-fix embalming technique provides a more realistic tool for surgical training when compared with formalin-embalmed cadavers [3, 4]. Thiel cadavers are increasingly used for dissection courses, research purposes and training in several disciplines [3, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]

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