Embalming Solution Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of Thiel embalming solution for preserving cadavers in anatomy and surgical education

Cadavers have played a crucial role in anatomy teaching, owing to their resemblance to the anatomical structures found in living individuals. To optimize the utilization of cadavers, embalming procedures that involve the application of chemical fixative agents are needed. The "soft embalming" approach, which involves various salts as fixating agents, was first developed by Walter Thiel. Although the Thiel solution has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing tissue elasticity, consistency, and color, a study is needed to find the most suitable for embalming with this solution to maximize its utility in the context of anatomy and surgical education. The study results show that the Thiel solution produces the best outcomes for its flexibility, uniformity, and color, which is optimal for anatomical and surgical teaching. The efficacy of Thiel's solution for preserving cadavers for educational intentions is noteworthy for the study of anatomy and surgical procedures. The advantageous characteristics of Thiel embalming include flexibility, consistency, and natural coloring. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider the restrictions associated with preserving the brain, spinal cord, eye, and musculoskeletal tissues. In conclusion, the utilization of Thiel solution has proven to be an efficient embalming agent for preserving cadavers in the fields of anatomy and surgery education, besides brain, spinal cord, eye, and musculoskeletal systems, should be reconsidered.

Critical appraisal of Genelyn soft embalming for cadaveric surgical skill training: A systematic review.

Genelyn is a proprietary embalming solution used for preserving cadavers for surgical skill training (SST) and undergraduate teaching. The aim of this review is to examine the Genelyn embalming method critically by analyzing scientific publications that have employed this method for SST and undergraduate education. The systematic review process involved searching for all relevant articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase using the keywords "Genelyn," Genelyn embalming," "Genelyn embalmed cadaver," and "surgical skill training. All studies on Genelyn embalming published up to August 14, 2024, in the English language were eligible for inclusion. The literature review yielded 92 studies, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria. The Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) tool from the International Evidence-Based Anatomy (iEBA) working group was used to assess and analyze the risk of bias in all the selected full-text articles. The selected studies reported that Genelyn embalming provided life-like joint range of motion, tissue pliability, and color. Cadaveric studies assessing embalming solutions typically had smaller sample sizes, and few of them compared Genelyn embalmed cadavers (GECs) with the other soft embalming solutions. Unlike Theil's embalming, Genelyn embalming is cost-effective, with easy steps for the preparation and storage of the solution and convenient handling of cadavers. Therefore, GECs serve as an efficient tool for SSTs.

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of airborne microorganisms during gross anatomical class and the bacterial and fungal load on formalin-embalmed corpses

Mold growth on body donations remains an underreported yet serious issue in anatomical teaching. Bacterial and fungal growth pose health risks to lecturers and students, alongside with ethical and aesthetic concerns. However, limited information exists on the presence of bacteria and fungi on body donations and their underlying causes. To investigate the potential impact of airborne germs on body donation contamination, we conducted indoor air measurements before, during, and after our anatomical dissection course, with outdoor measurements serving as a control. Tissue samples from the dissected body donations were collected to assess the germ load, with qualitative and quantitative microbiological analyses. Air samples from the dissection hall contained no fungi, but various fungal species were identified in the adjacent stairways and outdoors which implies that fungal occurrence in the dissection hall air was independent of lecturers’ and students’ presence. Moreover, our results indicate that adequate ventilation filters can effectively reduce indoor fungal germs during courses, while the bacterial load in room air appears to increase, likely due to the presence of lecturers and students. Additionally, the tissue samples revealed no bacterial or fungal germs which implies that our ethanol-formalin-based embalming solution demonstrates an effective long-term antimicrobial preservation of corpses.

Thiel embalming method used for anatomy dissection as an educational tool in teaching human anatomy, in research, and in training in comparison of different methods for long term preservation.

The use of human cadavers is beneficial in teaching gross human anatomy, training, and development in medicine. Fresh-frozen cadavers initially exhibit natural colour, tenderness, and flexibility. They also present innumerable difficulties, including the requirement of freezers for storage and a few weeks' work time because of fast decay. The risk of infection is also significant. A possible choice for fresh-frozen cadavers is embalmed cadavers. The requested characteristic needed for successful embalming is acceptable long-term structural preservation of organs and tissues with minimal deformity and prevention of outward aspects. Scientists are trying to develop an ideal embalming solution to preserve the human body. Such a solution renders the flexibility of internal organs, preventing dryness, and reducing fungal or bacterial growth. Cadavers should be in a condition comparable to that of an unembalmed cadaver, and the chemicals used in the solution should not be harmful to persons during manipulation. The promising results have been obtained by the use of different embalming techniques by many faculties of medicine as a tool to enhance the teaching of anatomy to students.

Preservation of muscle tissue with a formaldehyde-free borax solution for gross anatomy lessons

It is known that formaldehyde has serious toxicological effects on medical students, laboratory workers and environmental health. Recently various scientists search for a safe preservation fluid instead of the formaldehyde. One of them and the famous one is the Thiel’s embalming solution. However, it has been realized that it causes deterioration in muscle tissues. It was determined that this deterioration was caused by the boric acid. In the present study, previously formalin fixed muscle tissues were stored into the alkali form of boron during 40 days. At the end of the trial the appearance of the borax stored cadavers was quite similar to the formalin stored cadavers. In cross-sections taken from the muscle tissues, no deterioration could observe. Additionally, there was no putrid odor; on the contrary, a slight level of formaldehyde odor. In microbiological tests, there was a slight insignificant increase in the total number of bacteria in borax solutions. As a result, it was concluded that borax could be used as a cadaveric storage solution, and it can be more appropriate to use borax instead of boric acid in Thiel's solution.

A novel model for hands-on laparoscopic pelvic surgery training on Genelyn-embalmed body: an initial feasibility study.

The human donor body provides a well-accepted ex vivo model for laparoscopic surgical training. Unembalmed, or fresh-frozen, bodies comprise high-fidelity models. However, their short life span and high cost relatively limit the hands-on training benefits. In contrast, soft embalmed body of donors has a relatively longer usability without compromising tissue flexibility. This study reports the initial experience of the utility and feasibility of human donor Genelyn-embalmed body as a novel soft-embalmed cadaveric model for laparoscopic surgical training. An expert laparoscopic surgeon, who organised many fresh-frozen body donor courses, performed deep laparoscopic pelvic dissection and laparoscopic surgical tasks including suturing and electrosurgery on a single Genelyn-embalmed body. The three sessions were performed over a course of 3weeks. The body was fully embalmed using the Genelyn technique. The technique consisted of a single-point closed arterial perfusion of embalming solution via the carotid artery with no further exposure to or immersion in embalming fluids thereafter. The donor's Genelyn-embalmed body provided a feasible model for laparoscopic surgical training. Initial experience shows evidence of this model being feasible and realistic. There was reproducibility of these qualities across a minimum of 3weeks in this single-donor study. Initial experience shows that donor's Genelyn-embalmed body provides a novel model for laparoscopic surgical training, which possesses fidelity and is feasible for laparoscopic training. While further studies are needed to validate these findings, this technical note provides perspectives from an expert trainer regarding this model and provides a photographic and videographic atlas of this model's use in laparoscopy.

Evaluation of formaldehyde exposure among gross dissection after modified embalming solution and health assessment.

Mainly embalming fixative contains formaldehyde which is classified as a carcinogen. People who work with cadavers have been at higher risk of cancer after formaldehyde exposure. We have formulated a less-formalin fixative (contained 3.6% formaldehyde,23.8% ethanol, 15% glycerin, and 0.2% phenol in the water) for preserving cadavers. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the level of atmospheric formaldehyde indoors and the breathing exposure of medical students during dissection classes. We also analyzed the pulmonary parameters and effects of formaldehyde. The levels of atmospheric formaldehyde indoors and personal breathing exposure were sampled during anatomy dissection classes (musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and abdominopelvic organ system) using sorbent tubes with air sampling pumps. Samples were then analyzed using Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The mean level of formaldehyde indoor air among the three classes was 0.518 ± 0.156ppm whereas the formaldehyde level in the personal breathing zone was 0.956±0.408ppm, which exceeded the recommended exposure standards of international agencies, including NIOSH agency and PEL of Thailand legislation. The laboratory had high humidity, high room temperature, and poor air ventilation. There was a significant difference in FVC, FEV1, and PEF (p < 0.05) between the sexes of students. Comparison pulmonary parameters between students and instructors showed that all parameters of the pulmonary function test had no significant differences. General fatigue and burnings of eyes and nose associated with strong odor were the most common symptoms reported during the dissection classes. The modified embalming fixative was used less formalin with ethanol-glycerin mixture, and it was suitable for the study of medical students, with few side effects of respiratory problems. However, the modified exhaust ventilation with local table-exhaust ventilation and heating-ventilation-air conditioning system performance were urgent issues for reducing levels of formaldehyde indoor air in the dissection room.

Needle insertion forces and fluid injection pressures during targeting of nerves in a soft embalmed cadaver model.

Forceful needle-nerve contact and high subepineural pressures and are recognised causes of nerve damage. Pressure and force measurements are necessary to inform the mechanisms of nerve injury, build virtual simulator environments and provide operator feedback during simulation training. However, the range of pressures and forces encountered at tissue layers during targeted needle insertion and fluid injection are not known. We built a needle that recorded in-line pressure during fluid injection and continuously measured force at the needle tip. Two anaesthetists were randomised to insert a 21g block needle at 48 nerve sites on both sides of 3 soft embalmed Thiel cadavers. Our objective was to measure pressure and force during the course of targeted nerve injection at epimysium, in perineural tissue, on epineurium and during subepineural injection. At each interface, we infused a 0.5ml bolus of embalming solution at a rate of 12mlmin-1 and recorded the pressure response. Force was measured continuously in the background throughout the procedure. Pressure was greater at epineurium and within subepineurium than perineural tissue, geometric ratio (95% CI) 4.7 (3.0-7.3) kPa and 3.8 (2.5-5.7) kPa, respectively, both P < 0.0001. Force on nerve contact and on nerve penetration was greater than force in perineural tissue, geometric ratios (95% CI) 3.0 (1.9-4.7) N and 3.6 (2.2-7.5) N, respectively, both P < 0.0001. On nerve contact, 1 in 6 insertions were ≥ 5N CONCLUSIONS: Despite valid infusion pressures, anaesthetists exerted excessive force on nerves.

Finding and Evaluation Modified Embalming fluids in Preservation of Anatomical Specimens

Objective: to conflict comparative evaluation of three embalming solutions A, B, C(solution A contains ethanol, citric acid, and glycerin, solution B contains ethanol, sorbitol, and sodium metabisulfite, and solution C contain 10%formalin.) Animals: 10 male rabbits with an average weight of 1.5-2.5 Kg, and age 2.5 months old Design: Randomized experimental cadaveric study Procedures: Ten healthy male rabbits (2 months old with a bodyweight of 1.5–2.5 kg) were divided into two groups; each group contained five rabbits. General anesthesia was induced with the inhalation of chloroform, then the animals were exsanguinated through a cannula inserted into the heart. The embalming fluids were delivered into the body through the left ventricle of the embalmed specimens. Then immersion the cadavers in the same embalming solution and left at +4 ◦C where the animals were examined using several parameters (physical properties and microbial evaluations) after 2 months 2 M, 4 M, 6 M, and one year. Results: The modified embalming mixtures resulted in cadavers with good dissection properties and a dissection room free of unpleasant smell. The mixtures maintain the haptic and optic properties and, a neglected amount of bacteria or fungi were isolated. We will talk about every mixture individually in the table (1) Conclusion and clinical relevance: The present study concluded that the modification of the composition of the applied fluid resulted in better preservation of anatomical specimens. This modification is achieved by replacing the glycerin with sorbitol as a modifying agent and citric acid with sodium metabisulphite as an antioxidant.

The proposition of a new method to convert formalin cadavers to academic and museology purposes

The embalming of a cadaver to study anatomy in humans, animals, and for expositions in biological museums is classically performed by formaldehyde injection. Despite its efficiency and wide application, this method delivers technical problems and high toxicity. Through an experimental model with Wistar rats previously embalmed in formalin, we developed two converting solutions (G1 and G2) to perform a macroscopic and qualitative analysis of the embalming maintenance, the color, the fungus proliferation, the pliability, and the post-conversion dissection of the specimens. This work aims to present the results of this experiment and discuss the data. After 365 days of the experiment, both solutions showed benefits in terms of reduction of toxicity, the use of a single solution to convert, storage without the need for containers with embalming solution, containment of fungus proliferation, and improvement of the color of the organs. Although these are the initial results without full achievement, we consider the G1 solution a suitable and advantageous alternative for the museology area.

Validation of a Formaldehyde‐Free Embalming Method for Preparing High Fidelity Cadavers for Teaching Surgical and Procedural Skills

Cadavers embalmed using traditional formaldehyde‐based solutions are considered low‐fidelity in terms of representing the flexibility and texture of patients. Further, many current ‘soft’ embalming solutions are expensive, involve complicated procedures, and/or result in short‐term preservation periods. The objective of this study was to develop a low‐cost, formaldehyde‐free embalming solution that would produce high fidelity cadaveric models for teaching procedural or surgical skills in postgraduate medical education. The novel embalming formula was based on replacing formaldehyde with saturating levels of sodium chloride (357 grams/L) in combination with other conventionally used, low cost chemicals. Formaldehyde‐free cadavers (FFC) were compared with cadavers embalmed using a traditional formaldehyde‐based formula in terms of microbiological profiles, and in terms of feedback from residents and faculty who participated in cadaveric‐based workshops. Swabs from oral, nasal, and rectal cavities over a 100 day time course in formaldehyde‐free donors demonstrated a nearly complete reduction of microbes that was generally comparable to that observed in formaldehyde‐preserved cadavers. In terms of feedback, qualitative commentary was obtained from separate workshops for anesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, plastics surgeons, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons over a two year period (2016–2018). Across these different groups, clinicians generally perceived that FFC donors featured enhanced fidelity in terms of flexibility and texture, and produced more realistic and higher quality ultrasound images, relative to formaldehyde‐preserved donors. In particular, anaesthesiologists noted the potential utility of FFC specimens for practicing needle insertion techniques, while neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists had strong positive feedback regarding the texture and quality of brain specimens and eye musculature, respectively. FFC tissue remained viable at least two years post‐embalming for use in postgraduate workshops. In conclusion, the FFC model has the potential to generate low‐cost, high‐fidelity anatomical resources, with long‐term viability, for the purposes of surgical and procedural skills training.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Thiel-embalming technique: investigation of possible modification in embalming tissue as evaluation model for radiofrequency ablation.

Contrary to freezing preservation and formalin embalming, Thiel embalmed cadaver presents soft texture and color very close to that of living organism, and many applications based on Thiel embalmed cadavers have been reported. However, Thiel embalmed cadavers cannot be used as reliable evaluation model for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) due to dramatic changes of electrical conductivity in the embalmed tissue. To address this issue, we investigated various modifications of the original Thiel embalming solution. By altering the chemicals' species and concentration we figured out a formula that can greatly reduce the embalming fluid's electrical conductivity without significantly compromising the 18-day embalmed kidney samples' suppleness and color. We also investigated a two-stage embalming technique by first submerging the kidney sample into original Thiel's tank fluid for 28 days, then the sample was withdrawn from the tank fluid and placed into modified dilution fluids for additional two weeks. Stiffening and discoloration occurred in these diluted samples implying the reversibility of Thiel-embalmed tissues' suppleness and color with the removal of the strong electrolytes. This study presents a modified embalming method which could be used for RFA evaluation and also helps our understanding of the mechanism of embalmment process.

A New Method of Biostorage and Biopreservation for Human Amputated Extremities.

We have explored a better method to preserve and store human medically amputated large size samples. The approach involved developing a special embalming solution and procedures for biopreservation and biostorage of a large-sized sample as a whole specimen rather than dissected small parts. Evaluation of the effect of our special embalming solution and procedures on whole human amputated extremities compared with excised small tissues was conducted. Histological and morphological techniques and elemental analyses were utilized to assess the effects of our new method using the special embalming solution. Whole remains and excised tissues (skin, muscle, saphenous nerve, and femoral artery) were immersed in a special embalming solution for 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Then samples from whole remains and excised tissues were paraffin embedded and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was performed. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to detect the microstructure of the samples. At the same time, concentrations of chemical elements in the embalming solution from whole remains and excised tissues were separately determined by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The morphological structure of tissues was well preserved at 6 and 12 months, and few chemical elements, especially trace elements, leached into the embalming fluid. The macroelements leached into the fluid earlier than the trace elements, but there were some differences in the ultrastructure after preservation for 24 months between tissues excised before and after embalming. Over time, the types and concentrations of chemical elements in the embalming fluid increased. The trace elements in the whole remains were preserved better than those in the removed tissues, and trace elements in muscles and femoral artery were better preserved than those in the skin and saphenous nerve. The special embalming fluid can preserve fresh amputated remains well for a short time (less than 24 months), and performs better for the whole remains than excised tissues. This specific embalming fluid should be further studied to achieve higher quality preservation of different tissues for a longer period of time.

A Minimalistic Technique for Neural Tissue Preservation and Neuroanatomical Education: A Quantitative Study of the Elnady Technique on Human Specimens

IntroductionCadaveric shortages have been a challenge to anatomy education for many years(1). As access remains low in many parts of the world, many institutions are relying on plastinated specimens(2). While plastinated models solve cost and toxicity issues, in neuroanatomical education, a common complaint is that the rigidity of these models prevents exploration of deep‐brain structures and the visual‐spatial learning necessary for a concrete understanding of neuroanatomy(3). The Elnady Technique is a method of plastination that solves many of the drawbacks of traditional plastination, while maintaining the advantages. It is a low cost technique that uses cheap, easily accessible reagents, no complex lab equipment, and produces specimens that are dry, malleable, odorless, and can be stored on a countertop for many years.MethodsA cadaveric head, previously fixated in 10% formaldehyde, was disected and four neural structures were isolated; a superficial temporal artery (STA), brain stem, cerebellum hemisection, and left hemispheric cortex (white matter dissected). Specimens were drained of embalming solution, then dehydrated in 100% acetone baths for 4–7 days. Daily hydrometer readings were taken until measurements were consistent &gt;99% over two days. Specimens were then drained of acetone and placed in a glycerol bath for a 7‐day impregnation period. Specimens were then immersed in cornstarch and allowed to cure for 7 days. To evaluate the utility of this method, specimens were evaluated quantitatively; by weight and size, and qualitatively; by color, texture, and odor.ResultsPre‐ and post‐treatment measurements are reported in Table 1. Pre‐treatment weights for the STA, brain stem, cerebellum, and left hemisphere were 0.2g, 8.5g, 39.6g, and 223.5g, respectively, and post‐treatment weights were 0.2g, 7.8g, 33.4g, and ___g, respectively. On average, specimens showed a __% change in height, __% change in width, and __% change in length. The final products had virtually no change in color that could be noted grossly, had soft, pliable texture, and no detectable odor.ConclusionCadaveric dissections and prosections have been the foundation of anatomy education for many years, however cost and availability of specimens are major challenges around the world. Particularly in the acquisition and maintenance of cadaveric brains due to their fragility and unsuitability for long‐term storage in solution. The Elnady Technique is a simple yet effective method for preservation of human cadaveric specimens that produces high quality samples from fresh or previously embalmed specimens. Preservation can be done quickly and safely, without the specialized equipment and patented chemicals usually required for plastination, and no special storage methods are required. Thus, it is an ideal technique for basic and/or low resource settings, and could be a potential solution to the exorbitant expenses related to acquiring and maintaining quality cadaveric brain specimens over long periods of time. The final product is dry, odorless, and pliable, and can be handled without gloves, or masks, therefore presenting a unique way to learn neuroanatomy and interact with cadaveric neural structures outside of the traditional anatomy lab.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Preserving Skeletal Anatomical Structures from Cadaveric Specimens to Enhance the Anatomy Education with Emphasis in Arthrology.

INTRODUCTIONThe National Board of Medical Education considers the musculoskeletal system to be amongst the three most crucial subjects within an anatomy curriculum, therefore the necessary tools are required to properly instruct students on the subject. Common teaching methods include using bones and dissections to show the origins and insertions of muscles and their related neurovascular bundles, but given the complexity of these structures, some students are not able to visualize important details. Additionally, Universidad Central del Caribe has recently struggled to obtain enough specimens due to increases in student acceptances as well as declines in the supply of bodies to our board of donations. This potentially poses a paucity of bodies for upcoming classes. This study proposes a method that could allow our medical school not only to preserve structures that would otherwise be discarded, but also to broaden their functionality as a tool for learning gross anatomy.METHODSThe specimens used in this procedure had been previously used to teach dissection‐based anatomy and were in a fragile state that required their preservation in an embalming solution of formaldehyde, phenolic acid, glycerin, and water. These were rinsed and submerged in a solution of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) to soften the tissues. Over the course of 6 weeks, the cadavers were monitored and dissected, either isolating those structures that make up the articulations or the tendons of muscles, depending on the tissues desired to be preserved. Once the desired structures were obtained, these were placed in a bleaching fluid to improve their appearance and then submerged in a preservative fluid preventing further decay.RESULTSThe approach we took for dealing with the structures proved to be successful. By removing most of the tissues that were susceptible to NaClO, we were able to isolate tendons from their muscles and expose the articulations that through normal dissecting methods would be hard to observe.CONCLUSIONThis approach provides a potential means for medical institutions to lengthen the use of aged cadavers and proposes an alternate method to enhance the study of hard to observe anatomical structures that are oftentimes concealed by an abundance of blood vessels, nerves and muscle tissue. The effectiveness of this method in studying anatomy have yet to be compared to traditional methods of cadaveric studies. However, it provides a simple alternative that is reliable for medical schools facing a cadaver shortage.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

A study of the effects of preservative solutions on the dielectric properties of biological tissue

Dielectric properties of biological tissue are important in view of emerging medical applications. We report on dielectric properties of ex vivo porcine fat and muscle and the effect of 10% formalin and Thiel Embalming solution (TES) as preservatives on the dielectric properties. This study is important as understanding the effect of such preservative solutions would allow for measurements to be done even days after excision. In this study, dielectric measurements were conducted on fat and muscle samples before and after preservation. Measurements were conducted between 0.5 and 20 GHz. All results obtained were fitted to a Debye model and uncertainty limits analyzed carefully. We also present the percentage difference in dielectric properties of fresh tissue and preserved tissue. The results show that changes in the dielectric properties due to tissue preservation depend on the type of tissue studied, the technique used and the test frequency. In fact, an increase in the real part of permittivity of fat was observed compared with a decrease in that measured for muscle, when both preserved in TES. Moreover, the imaginary part of permittivity of muscle preserved in TES increases at low frequency but then decreases at frequencies higher than 10.8 GHz. The changes in the dielectric properties of fat and muscle when preserved in 10% formalin reach a constant value above 5 GHz.

Assessing radiological images of human cadavers: Is there an effect of different embalming solutions?

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different embalming solutions including formalin, Genelyn, Thiel and Imperial College London- Soft Preserving solutions on the quality of radiological images taken from cadavers embalmed with the above mentioned techniques. Materials and methods Two cadavers per embalming technique were imaged pre and post-embalming using three different imaging modalities including ultrasound, plain radiography and computed tomography (CT). Imaging criteria and a qualitative grading system for each imaging modality were adapted from the European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Computed Tomography, the European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images, and according to the AIUM Practice Guideline for the performance of ultrasound. Qualitative analysis was performed independently by three readers on a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The readers were blinded to both the embalmment status and the embalming agent used to preclude bias. Results On comparison of images pre and post-embalming, brain CT images showed a significant deterioration in image quality post-embalming, while there was no significant change in chest and abdomen/pelvic images and some improvement was observed in Genelyn embalmed cadavers. No changes were observed when using ultrasound to image the spleen and aorta, while a significant improvement in image quality was observed when examining the kidney in all embalmed cadavers with a small improvement when imaging the liver. No significant difference was observed on plain radiography post-embalming, while a minor deterioration was observed mainly in the chest area. Conclusion Different embalming techniques had varying effects on image quality, in human cadavers, with the range of imaging modalities investigated in this study. Thus, no ideal embalming solution was identified, which would improve the quality of images on all imaging modalities. Further research is required to compare the quality of radiological images at different stages of decomposition taking into consideration antemortal pathologies with a larger number of donors.

Educational Advantages to the Use of Soft Fixed Cadavers

Conventional embalming techniques routinely rely on the use of aldehyde fixatives. The aldehydes keep bacteria in check and also cross link proteins together producing a firm specimen. The resultant specimens are stabilized and can be kept and used a room temperature for extended periods of time. This type of specimen has formed the backbone of most anatomy classes involving dissection. These specimens, however, are less than ideal for teaching true anatomy or most forms of surgery. That is because tissues are often accidentally destroyed during dissection and often times render planes of anatomy unidentifiable. They are also not pliable. Alternative fixative techniques have evolved over the last 40 years and have led the production of soft fixed cadavers. These specimens are produced with an embalming solution that minimizes the concentration of aldehydes, At Saint Louis University School of Medicine we have adopted this form of fixation to create surgical models. In this abstract we report the use of soft fixed cadavers to teach cricothyrotomy, laparoscopic cholectystectomy, laparoscopic appendectomy, hand assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy, thoracostomy, open nephrectomy, skin closure techniques, etc. The advantages to this technique is that the cadaver more closely mimics the experience that the trainee would encounter in a living human being. Also since they are not crosslinked, the anatomical planes are intact and more identifiable leading to a more credible experience. They are ideal models to simulate real surgery and we have used them to produce a series of videos for training purposes. A sample video will be shown during this poster presentation

Lifelike Vascular Reperfusion of a Thiel-Embalmed Pig Model and Evaluation as a Surgical Training Tool

Background: Vascular reperfusion of Thiel cadavers can aid surgical and anatomical instruction. This study investigated whether ideal embalming circumstances provide lifelike vascular flow, enabling surgical practice and enhancing anatomical reality. Methods: Pressure-controlled pump-driven administration of blue embalming solution was assessed directly postmortem in a pig model (n = 4). Investigation of subsequent pump-driven vascular injection of red paraffinum perliquidum (PP) included assessment of flow parameters, intracorporeal distribution, anatomical alterations, and feasibility for surgical training. The microscopic distribution of PP was analyzed in pump-embalmed pig and gravity-embalmed human small intestines. Results: Embalming lasted 50-105 min, and maximum arterial pressure was 65 mm Hg. During embalming, the following consecutive alterations were observed: arterial filling, organ coloration, venous perfusion, and further tissue coloration during the next weeks. Most organs were adequately preserved. PP generated low arterial pressures (<30 mm Hg) and drained through the venous cannula. Generally, realistic reperfusion and preservation of original anatomy were observed, but leakage in the pleural, abdominal, and retroperitoneal cavities occurred, and computed tomography showed edematous spleen and liver. Reduction of arterial flow rates after venous drainage is a prerequisite to prevent anatomical deformation, allowing simulation of various surgeries. In pump-embalmed pig small intestines, PP flowed from artery to vein through the capillaries without extravasation. In contrast, arterioles were blocked in gravity-embalmed human tissues. Conclusions: In a pig model, immediate postmortem pressure-controlled pump embalming generates ideal circumstances for (micro)vascular reperfusion with PP, permitting lifelike anatomy instruction and surgical training.

STUDY OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE VAPOURS WITHIN THE DISSECTION HALL ON THE FIRST YEAR INDIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Address for Correspondence: Dr Surajit Kundu, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy. Govt. Medical College, Raigarh (CG State) Pin: 496001. India. Ph: +918827264640. E-Mail: dr.surajitkundu@rediffmail.com *1 Assistant Professor, 2 Professor and HOD. Department of Anatomy, Govt. Medical College, Raigarh. (CG State)-496001. India. Introduction: Formaldehyde has been used since decades as a time tested embalming fluid material either alone or in mixture with methyl alcohol, thymol crystals, glycerin and water. We in Medical College, Raigarh use 37% formaldehyde, 7% methyl alcohol and the remaining water to prepare embalming solution for cadavers. The concentration of formaldehyde is usually expressed in terms of parts per million (1 ppm= 1.248 mg/cu.m.). Vapours emanating out of the cadavers within the dissection hall is a potential source of health hazard for all medical professionals, student, faculty or technicians. The discomfort includes irritation to the mucous membrane of the nose, respiratory tract, eyes and also causes allergic reaction of the skin. Materials and Methods: Keeping track of the unconsciously caused complaints, we made a sincere attempt to chalk out the effects of formaldehyde fumes on 100 first MBBS students of Medical College, Raigarh (C.G) as they are virgin in terms of formalin exposure. Results: The obtained results were quite dramatic. Maximum number of students was positive as among the various symptoms described. Discussion: Medical students during their dissection course are exposed to formaldehyde, whose exposure is recently considered to be one of the causes of multiple chemical sensitivity. The present study broadly reflects the toxic effects over the first MBBS Indian medical students Conclusion: The presentation also recommends possible methods for reduction of formalin exposure so that the medical students can enter the dissection hall without any mental tension of toxicity of formalin vapours.