Injection of Cadaver Heads with Latex: An Anatomical Physiological Approach

• Main Authors: Alvernia, Jorge E., Mertens, Patrick, Melgar, Miguel, Dang, Nguyen D.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1531-5010; 1532-0065
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2009-1242406

Objective: Color injection of the arterial and venous systems of a cadaver head is essential in the preparation of the specimen for microanatomical dissection. Successful injection depends on the use of the appropriate materials, thorough irrigation of the vasculature, and optimal techniques for injection with colored solutions. In the neurosurgical literature, only a few reports specifically address these technical issues. We report a unique and simple method for color injection of cadaveric specimens with colored latex. Methods: We describe a method of cadaveric injection that is performed in three stages, in the following order: (1) irrigation of all major vessels with water, (2) fixation of the specimen with formaldehyde or alcohol, and (3) color injection of the arteries and veins with red and blue latex. During the irrigation phases, an assessment of the physiology of the neurovasculature is performed to help determine how fixation and color injection will proceed. We use commercially available colored latex solutions for injection because of their simplicity and reproducibility, which appear to be superior to silicone-based agents. We have injected a total of 32 specimens with excellent results. We present samples of the most recent injections. Conclusion: Proper cadaveric color injection relies on an evaluation of the physiology of the vasculature system and the use of a proper colored solution. Our method is simple, yet efficient, and provides excellent anatomical results.