Non‐linear shrinkage of Batson's #17 resin during vascular corrosion casting

• Published in: Journal of anatomy 2023-01, Vol.242 (1), p.76-80
• Main Authors: Shih, Kang‐Chi Julia, Peiffer, Véronique, Rowland, Ethan M., Sowinski, Peter, Weinberg, Peter D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Aorta; arteries; Batson's #17; Corrosion; Corrosion Casting; Models, Biological; Photography; Rabbits; Rats; resin; shrinkage; Syringes
• ISSN: 0021-8782; 1469-7580
• DOI: 10.1111/joa.13718

Many studies of cardiovascular function require a realistic representation of vascular geometry. Corrosion casting has been used to acquire such geometries for many decades. However, the fidelity with which this method reproduces vascular anatomy has not been completely determined. Here we report on the non‐linear shrinkage characteristics and exothermic properties of Batson's #17, a widely used casting resin, in model systems and in aortas of rats and rabbits. The setting process was captured using high‐resolution photography. Shrinkage ranged from 3.4 ± 1.5% of the diameter in 1 ml plastic syringes (inner diameter 4.8 mm) to 19.6 ± 5.6% in the aorta of rats (diameter 1.5–2.6 mm). In addition, aortic curvature and branching angles changed during setting. These effects should be determined and corrected in studies of vascular geometry where high accuracy is required. Vascular corrosion casting is frequently used to characterize arterial geometry. Here, we quantify the non‐linear shrinkage of the casting resin that can occur during such procedures.