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Notes on Embalming and Museum Techniques

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 Brief Profile of Author
Dr. Arpan Haldar
I passed MD (Anatomy) from Utkal University in 2014. Then I worked as Tutor in Department of
Anatomy, ESI Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Joka, Kolkata under Ministry of
Labour and Employment, Govt. of India. I current work as Senior Resident, Department of
Dr. Arpan Haldar
Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, PMSSY Division, Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. I have experience in special staining or organs and
bone soft aborted human foetuses of various weeks of gestation as part of my Thesis Work during
MD-Anatomy in Utkal University. I have experience in Hands on Training on FISH,
Karyotyping, DNA Extraction and Chromosome Banding, PCR, Microarray, Sanger Sequencing
done in Department of Cytogenetics, CMC Vellore and Department of Medical Genetics,
SGPGIMS Lucknow. I have experience in Hands on Training on TEM, SEM and IEM done in
NOTES ON
Department of Anatomy, AIIMS New Delhi. I have done CME and Workshops on Medical
Education & Bioethics in MEU ESI-PGIMSR Joka Kolkata and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. I have
EMBALMING AND

NOTES ON EMBALMING AND MUSEUM TECHNIQUES

undergone CME on Ethics in Clinical Research by ICMR. I have done Workshop on Research Methodology & Scientific Paper Writing in
Department of Epidemiology, NIMHANS Bangalore. I have done CME on updates in Cross-Sectional Anatomy by Radiological
Approach by Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Bhubaneswar I have done CME on Use of Ultrasonography in Teaching and Learning
Anatomy in KGMC Lucknow. I have also done CME on Genesis and Role of Microteaching in Anatomy I have also done Hands on
Workshops on Soft Embalming on Cadaveric Surgery in KGMC Lucknow. I have also done Hands on Workshops on Model Making in
AIIMS Bhopal. I have special interest in Teaching and Research in Neuroanatomy, Embryology and Teratology, Genetics, Histology and
Cell Biology. I also participate in the Cadaveric Workshops conducted in the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Bhubaneswar in
MUSEUM TECHNIQUES
collaboration with Orthopaedics, PMR, ENT and Neurosurgery. I am doing Hands on Immunohistochemistry in AIIMS Bhubaneswar
assisting in various Intramural and Extramural projects as Co-PI. I have done Hands on National Training on COMET Assay in
Department of Anatomy, JIPMER Pondicherry. I have undergone DST Funded Short Term Training on Electron Microscopy in
Department of Anatomy, AIIMS New Delhi. I have undergone ICMR Funded Short Term Training on Medical Genetics in Department of
Medical Genetics, SGPGIMS Lucknow. I have also undergone Short term training on Biostatistics, Epidemiology & SPSS in Department
of Biostatistics, CMC Vellore. I am regularly presenting Oral and Poster Papers at the National Conferences twice a year and regularly go
to Short-term trainings and Hands on Workshops. I am also involved in teaching MBBS, Paramedicals and Nursing and routinely take
practical and lectures, Dissection, Embalming duties. I am in Editorial Board Member in 10 Indexed International Journals and Reviewer
in 3 International Indexed Journals. I am Life Member of Anatomical Society of India, Society of Clinical Anatomists of India, Electron
Microscope Society of India, American Association of Clinical Anatomists, Indian Academy of Medical Genetics and Indian Academy of
Neurosciences. I have also proposed a chapter on Embryological Implications of Argentaffin/Enterochromaffin cells in a book “Serotonin
Odyssey” [Editor: Prof PK Debnath, Foreword by Prof MN Ghosh and Preface by Dr ADB Vaidya]. I have presented till date 15 Oral and
Poster papers in the various National and State Conferences. I have published 28 articles in Indexed National and International Journals. I
am involved in Ultrastructure of Aborted human foetuses by use of SEM and TEM for knowing the detailed architecture of cell organelles
of foetuses of different weeks of gestation in collaboration with Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar. I am involved in Genetic Analysis of
MTHFR Gene in Anencephalic Fetuses with Spina Bifida by use of Sanger sequencing, Microarray, TP-PCR, QF-PCR in collaboration
with Department of Medical Genetics, SGPGIMS Lucknow. I am involved in detection of DNA damage in various human foetuses of
various weeks of gestation in hypertensive and diabetic mothers by COMET Assay (Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis) for estimation of
DNA damage in collaboration with JIPMER Pondicherry. I am involved in detection of any genetic abnormalities in children with
congenital malformations and childhood tumours for future targeted drug delivery system in utero by nanoparticles in collaboration with
Department of Cytogenetics CMC Vellore. I am involved in Inter-departmental papers on “Distribution and Expression of neonatal IgG
Fc receptor, FcRn in the Fetal Human Tissues and Placenta in collaboration with Dept. of Obs Gynae and Pathology, AIIMS
Bhubaneswar. I was Invited Guest Speaker for Presentation in International Conferences of World Congress on Stem Cell and Biobanking
2018 on 3rd and 4th Sept 2018 in Tokyo, Japan and Global Experts Meeting on Frontiers in Cell & Stem Cell Research 2019 from April
18-20, 2019 in New York, USA. I was invited as Delegate in Annual Conference of Royal College of General Physicians from 4th-6th Oct
2018 in Glasgow, UK and in International Meeting of ANATOMIA CLINICA 24th to 26th June 2019 in Madrid (Spain). I am involved as
Co-PI in an Extramural Project funded by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India on Expression of CD30 antigen in Human Foetal Tissues by
Dr. Arpan Haldar
Ber-H2 and an Intramural Project Institute Funded on Immunohistochemical analysis of axonal regeneration through peripheral nerve
grafts containing Schwann cells expressing BDNF, CNTF or NT3 in patients after Peripheral nerve Injury. I am the Program Advisor for
Royal College examination training program at Member of Royal College of Physicians College of PG Medicine, Texila American
University in collaboration with University of Central Nicaragua. I was awarded Memento in IMS-BHU for oral paper presentation on
Developmental Neuroanatomy of Cerebral and Cerebellar Cortex, Brain Stem and Spinal Cord in Human Fetuses In Various Gestational
Weeks Of In Eastern Geographical Region of Odisha in International Conference of Neurosciences and Annual Conference of Indian
Academy of Neurosciences on November 2018. I have attended International Conference of Asian Network of Research on Antidiabetic
Plants: Prevention& Management of Diabetes-Prospects & Challenge in September 2012 and presented paper on Histogenesis&
Cytogenesis of Islets of Langerhans in Fetal Pancreas with implications to Periampullary Carcinoma in the Head of Pancreas on Sept
2012. My special research interests are in Neuroanatomy & Neurobiology, Histology & Cell Biology, Embryology & Teratology,
Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Molecular Cell Biology.

SARA BOOK PUBLICATION

303, Maharana Pratap Complex, [Link]
Guest House, B/H. [Link], Paldi,
Ahmedabad-380006, Gujarat. (INDIA).
Phone. +91 8866 00 3636, +91 8866 11 3636
Email Id : editor@[Link]
Website : [Link] Price Rs.300/-
 Brief Profile of Author
Dr. Arpan Haldar
I passed MD (Anatomy) from Utkal University in 2014. Then I worked as Tutor in Department of
Anatomy, ESI Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Joka, Kolkata under Ministry of
Labour and Employment, Govt. of India. I current work as Senior Resident, Department of
NOTES ON EMBALMING AND
Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, PMSSY Division, Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. I have experience in special staining or organs and
bone soft aborted human foetuses of various weeks of gestation as part of my Thesis Work during
MD-Anatomy in Utkal University. I have experience in Hands on Training on FISH,
MUSEUM TECHNIQUES
Karyotyping, DNA Extraction and Chromosome Banding, PCR, Microarray, Sanger Sequencing
done in Department of Cytogenetics, CMC Vellore and Department of Medical Genetics,
SGPGIMS Lucknow. I have experience in Hands on Training on TEM, SEM and IEM done in
Department of Anatomy, AIIMS New Delhi. I have done CME and Workshops on Medical
Education & Bioethics in MEU ESI-PGIMSR Joka Kolkata and AIIMS Bhubaneswar. I have
Dr. Arpan Haldar

NOTES ON EMBALMING AND MUSEUM TECHNIQUES

undergone CME on Ethics in Clinical Research by ICMR. I have done Workshop on Research Methodology & Scientific Paper Writing in
Department of Epidemiology, NIMHANS Bangalore. I have done CME on updates in Cross-Sectional Anatomy by Radiological
Approach by Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Bhubaneswar I have done CME on Use of Ultrasonography in Teaching and Learning
Anatomy in KGMC Lucknow. I have also done CME on Genesis and Role of Microteaching in Anatomy I have also done Hands on
Workshops on Soft Embalming on Cadaveric Surgery in KGMC Lucknow. I have also done Hands on Workshops on Model Making in
AIIMS Bhopal. I have special interest in Teaching and Research in Neuroanatomy, Embryology and Teratology, Genetics, Histology and
Cell Biology. I also participate in the Cadaveric Workshops conducted in the Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Bhubaneswar in
collaboration with Orthopaedics, PMR, ENT and Neurosurgery. I am doing Hands on Immunohistochemistry in AIIMS Bhubaneswar
assisting in various Intramural and Extramural projects as Co-PI. I have done Hands on National Training on COMET Assay in
Department of Anatomy, JIPMER Pondicherry. I have undergone DST Funded Short Term Training on Electron Microscopy in
Department of Anatomy, AIIMS New Delhi. I have undergone ICMR Funded Short Term Training on Medical Genetics in Department of
Medical Genetics, SGPGIMS Lucknow. I have also undergone Short term training on Biostatistics, Epidemiology & SPSS in Department
of Biostatistics, CMC Vellore. I am regularly presenting Oral and Poster Papers at the National Conferences twice a year and regularly go
to Short-term trainings and Hands on Workshops. I am also involved in teaching MBBS, Paramedicals and Nursing and routinely take
practical and lectures, Dissection, Embalming duties. I am in Editorial Board Member in 10 Indexed International Journals and Reviewer
in 3 International Indexed Journals. I am Life Member of Anatomical Society of India, Society of Clinical Anatomists of India, Electron
Microscope Society of India, American Association of Clinical Anatomists, Indian Academy of Medical Genetics and Indian Academy of
Neurosciences. I have also proposed a chapter on Embryological Implications of Argentaffin/Enterochromaffin cells in a book “Serotonin
Odyssey” [Editor: Prof PK Debnath, Foreword by Prof MN Ghosh and Preface by Dr ADB Vaidya]. I have presented till date 15 Oral and
Poster papers in the various National and State Conferences. I have published 28 articles in Indexed National and International Journals. I
am involved in Ultrastructure of Aborted human foetuses by use of SEM and TEM for knowing the detailed architecture of cell organelles
of foetuses of different weeks of gestation in collaboration with Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar. I am involved in Genetic Analysis of
MTHFR Gene in Anencephalic Fetuses with Spina Bifida by use of Sanger sequencing, Microarray, TP-PCR, QF-PCR in collaboration
with Department of Medical Genetics, SGPGIMS Lucknow. I am involved in detection of DNA damage in various human foetuses of
various weeks of gestation in hypertensive and diabetic mothers by COMET Assay (Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis) for estimation of
DNA damage in collaboration with JIPMER Pondicherry. I am involved in detection of any genetic abnormalities in children with
congenital malformations and childhood tumours for future targeted drug delivery system in utero by nanoparticles in collaboration with
Department of Cytogenetics CMC Vellore. I am involved in Inter-departmental papers on “Distribution and Expression of neonatal IgG
Fc receptor, FcRn in the Fetal Human Tissues and Placenta in collaboration with Dept. of Obs Gynae and Pathology, AIIMS
Bhubaneswar. I was Invited Guest Speaker for Presentation in International Conferences of World Congress on Stem Cell and Biobanking
2018 on 3rd and 4th Sept 2018 in Tokyo, Japan and Global Experts Meeting on Frontiers in Cell & Stem Cell Research 2019 from April
18-20, 2019 in New York, USA. I was invited as Delegate in Annual Conference of Royal College of General Physicians from 4th-6th Oct
2018 in Glasgow, UK and in International Meeting of ANATOMIA CLINICA 24th to 26th June 2019 in Madrid (Spain). I am involved as
Co-PI in an Extramural Project funded by Ministry of AYUSH, Govt of India on Expression of CD30 antigen in Human Foetal Tissues by
Dr. Arpan Haldar
Ber-H2 and an Intramural Project Institute Funded on Immunohistochemical analysis of axonal regeneration through peripheral nerve
grafts containing Schwann cells expressing BDNF, CNTF or NT3 in patients after Peripheral nerve Injury. I am the Program Advisor for
Royal College examination training program at Member of Royal College of Physicians College of PG Medicine, Texila American
University in collaboration with University of Central Nicaragua. I was awarded Memento in IMS-BHU for oral paper presentation on
Developmental Neuroanatomy of Cerebral and Cerebellar Cortex, Brain Stem and Spinal Cord in Human Fetuses In Various Gestational
Weeks Of In Eastern Geographical Region of Odisha in International Conference of Neurosciences and Annual Conference of Indian
Academy of Neurosciences on November 2018. I have attended International Conference of Asian Network of Research on Antidiabetic
Plants: Prevention& Management of Diabetes-Prospects & Challenge in September 2012 and presented paper on Histogenesis&
Cytogenesis of Islets of Langerhans in Fetal Pancreas with implications to Periampullary Carcinoma in the Head of Pancreas on Sept
2012. My special research interests are in Neuroanatomy & Neurobiology, Histology & Cell Biology, Embryology & Teratology,
Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Molecular Cell Biology.

SARA BOOK PUBLICATION

303, Maharana Pratap Complex, [Link]
Guest House, B/H. [Link], Paldi,
Ahmedabad-380006, Gujarat. (INDIA).
Phone. +91 8866 00 3636, +91 8866 11 3636
Email Id : editor@[Link]
Website : [Link] Price Rs.300/-
NOTES ON EMBALMING AND
MUSEUM TECHNIQUES
Dr. Arpan Haldar
Senior Resident, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences Bhubaneswar, PMSSY Division, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, Govt. of India.

1
 NOTES ON EMBALMING AND MUSEUM
TECHNIQUES

Author : Dr. Arpan Haldar

ISBN : 978 - 93 - 88672 - 13 - 9

Publisher :SARA BOOK PUBLICATION

303, Maharana Pratap Complex
B/H.V. S. Hospital
Paldi, Ahmedabad - 380006.
Phone: +91 8866 00 3636, +91 8866 11 3636

First Edition : April 2019

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade
or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the
publisher's prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in
which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition
being imposed on the subsequent purchaser and without limiting the rights under
copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without
the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above-
mentioned publisher of this book.

Copyright© 2019\ Sara Book Publication, Ahmedabad

2
 PREFACE

Embalming of a cadaver are the crucial steps of Anatomy as preservation of

dead bodies are of utmost importance now a days. The approaches and
techniques to each of the region during the preservation of cadavers for
dissection and cadaveric surgery is helpful for Postgraduates and Dissection
Hall Attendants. The hard embalming and soft embalming techniques are
well illustrated in this book with relevant diagrams. The recent techniques of
plastination are also incorporated in this book. This book is written in view of
increasing demand of a short notebook on embalming techniques in a
cadaver. The first edition highlights the embalming techniques, constituents
with a historical perspective of preservation and handling of human dead
bodies. The author is particularly indebted to Prof. Manisha R Gaikwad,
Additional Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS
Bhubaneswar for her valuable proof reading of the book. The author also
acknowledges Prof. Dipti Basu, Ex- Principal and Professor, Department of
Anatomy, Calcutta National Medical College. The author also noted the
valuable comments from Prof. Soumya C Bhattacharya, Professor and Head,
Department of Anatomy, ESI-Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
and Research, Joka, Kolkata. Lastly the author also acknowledges the
Almighty, Dad, Mom, Wife and Daughter for supporting this work. The
author is also indebted to all the Cadavers, students, colleagues, seniors and
juniors for their inspiration. The author hopes that this book enriches the
knowledge of techniques, constituents and methodology of body
preservation.

3
4
 CONTENTS

1. Embalming Techniques 07
1. Introduction, Definition, Goals of Embalming
2. History of Embalming
3. Historical Preservation of dead bodies
4. Natural methods of body preservation
5. Artificial methods of body preservation
6. Composition of an Ideal Embalming Fluid
7. Embalming fluids, Instruments and apparatus
8. Types of Embalming
9. Principles of Embalming
10. Steps during Embalming
11. Criteria for choice of vessels during embalming
12. Injection techniques
13. Soft Embalming
14. Advantages of Embalming
15. Specialist and Autopsied Embalming
16. Religious aspects, Legal aspects and Medico-legal aspects of
Embalming
17. Occupational risks of Embalming
18. Chronology and Precautions for Embalming the Unautopsied Adult
Body
19. Chronology for Embalming for The Autopsied Body
20. Legal Procedures Before Embalming

2. Museum Techniques 49
1. Introduction to preparation of specimens
2. Methods for museum specimens
3. Chemicals for museum specimens
4. Steps for museum specimens
5. Storage of museum specimens
6. Introduction to Plastination
7. Types of Plastination
8. Materials used in plastination
9. Principle of plastination
10. Steps of Plastination
11. Advantages of plastination

5
6
 1
EMBALMING TECHNIQUES

INTRODUCTION
Ÿ Embalming, one of mankind's longest practiced art, is a means of artificially
preserving the dead human body.

Ÿ Modern embalming is defined as the study & science of treating a dead human
body to achieve antiseptic condition, a pre-mortem appearance &
preservation.

Ÿ Embalming is done in medical college to preserve dead body for the purpose
of education and dissection.

Ÿ When the dead body has to be taken from one country to other or in same state
for last rituals.

Ÿ Embalming is done by injecting embalming fluid in the body.

DEFINITION
Ÿ The American Board of Funeral Service Education defines embalming as “the
chemical treatment of the dead human body to reduce the presence & growth
of micro-organisms, to temporarily inhibit organic decomposition & to
restore the dead human body to an acceptable physical appearance.

Ÿ It is a process of preservation of dead body by treating it with antiseptic and

preservatives to prevent putrefaction.

Ÿ By this process.

1. Protein are coagulated.

2. Tissues are fixed.
3. Organs are bleached and hardened.

Ÿ Blood is coagulated and transformed into a pinkish brown mass.

Ÿ Embalming produce a chemical stiffening similar to rigor mortis, but

normal rigor does not develop.

7
 Ÿ Rigidity in case of embalming is permanent.

Ÿ To get desired effect- embalming is to be done within 6 hours of death.

Ÿ If done several hours after death, the body will show changes of bacterial
decomposition and putrefaction and will disintegrate in few months.

GOALS
Ÿ Embalming preserves the human body intact and is one of the mankind's
longest practised art of sanitization, presentation and preservation (or
restoration).

HISTORY OF EMBALMING
Ÿ Long and cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming a
greater religious meaning.

Ÿ Chinchorro culture in the Atacama Desert (Chile and Peru) are among the
earliest cultures known to have performed artificial mummification as early as
5000-6000 BC.

Ÿ Egypt, where as early as the 3200 BC specialized priests.

Ÿ Ethiopians,Guanches, Peruvians, Jivaro Indians, Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans,

and Tibetan and southern Nigerian tribes also practised embalming.

Ÿ In Europe the knowledge and practice of artificial preservation had spread

widely by 500 AD. The period of the middle Ages and the Renaissance is
known as the Anatomists period of embalming.

PERIOD OF EMBALMING HISTORY

st
1 period
Ÿ Originated in Egypt.
Ÿ 3200 BC to 650 AC.
Ÿ Religious motive, believe in resurrection.
Ÿ Variation in techniques.

nd
2 period
Ÿ 650 AD to 1861.
Ÿ Practiced in Europe.
Ÿ Period of Anatomists.
Ÿ Motive is to advance the development of embalming.

3rd period or modern period

Ÿ 1861 till now.
Ÿ Europe to America.

8
 Ÿ Funeral purpose, sentiments, public transportations.
Ÿ Preserve for further study & research in anatomy.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
th
Ÿ Mid 19 century, during civil war times.
Ÿ Mass causalities, military dead buried near battle field.
Ÿ Embalming was in demand.
Ÿ Increased interest among scientists for discovering novel methods in
performing embalming at its best.

Dr. Richard Burr (1865)- First person to Embalm a Cadaver.

Embalming tent of Dr. Richard Burr

FINAL MILITARY ORDER 1865

Ÿ Hereafter no persons will be permitted to embalm unless acting under licence
of Marshall of army, department or district.
Ÿ They will grant licence only to those who furnishes proof of skill & ability as
embalmer. Also establish scale of prices.
Ÿ Applicants for licence will apply to Marshall of the army.

Sir Jean Nicolas Gannal (1791-1852)

Ÿ Chemist in profession.

9
 Ÿ Experiments on various chemical combinations.
Ÿ Arsenic as one of the component.
Current situation in India
Ÿ Increasing number of medical institutes.
Ÿ Increase in demand of cadavers for teaching.
Types of preservation
Ÿ Natural means.
Ÿ Artificial means.
PRESERVATION OF DEAD BODY
Naturally-
1. At very low temperature.
2. At very high temperature.
3. Shallow moist clay soiled grave or submerged in water.
4. In water or soil containing antiseptic substance like arsenic, lime etc.
5. Freezing – ice, snow, glaciers.
6. Dry cold – cold dry air.
7. Dry heat – dry warm air.
8. Nature of the soil at the place of interment.

FREEZING

Snowcapping

Dry cold
10
 Dry cold preservation of Bishop Peder Winstrup, 1605-1679 Church of
Sweden.

Dry heat

Egyptian mummies

Nature of soil
11
 Ÿ Long term burial in peat bogs.

Ÿ Soil impregnated with salt, aluminium or copper.

Artificially-
1. Freezing
2. Embalming
3. Taxidermy
4. Ancient Egyptian method (mummification)
5. Formalin preservation
6. Paraffin impregnation
7. Plastination
8. Simple heat
9. Powders
10. Evisceration & immersion
11. Evisceration, local incision & immersion
12. Evisceration & drying
13. Simple immersion
14. Arterial injection
15. Arterial injection & evisceration
16. Cavity injection & immersion
17. Arterial injection & cavity treatment
18. Artificial cold

Simple heat

Ÿ Simple heat – slow drying in an oven that is heated with mixture of slaked
lime.

Ÿ Powders – sawdust + zinc sulphate or other preservatives.

12
 Evisceration & immersion

Ÿ Evisceration & immersion – used by Egyptians.

Ÿ Evisceration & drying – Guanche method.
Ÿ Evisceration, local incision & immersion – Europe
Ÿ Simple immersion – Alcohol, brine or other liquid preservatives.
Ÿ Arterial injection & evisceration – Hunter Brothers.
Ÿ Cavity injection & immersion – Gabriel Clauderus method.
Ÿ Arterial injection – mode of treatment of Gannal, Sucquet.
Ÿ Arterial injection & cavity treatment – present day method.
Ÿ Artificial cold – refrigeration inhibits bacterial activity.

COMPOSITION OF AN IDEAL EMBALMING FLUID

Ingredient
Ÿ Formalin (preservative) - 1.5 litres.
Ÿ Sodium borate (buffer) – 600 grams.
Ÿ Sodium citrate (anticoagulant) – 900 grams.
Ÿ Glycerine (wetting agent) – 600 ml.
Ÿ Sodium chloride (controls pH) – 800 gm.
Ÿ Eosin (1%) (cosmetic) - 30 [Link] winter green (perfume) – 90 ml.
Ÿ Water (vehicle) – Upto 10 litres.
Ÿ Sodium borate and sodium citrate should be dissolve in hot water and allowed
to cool.
13
 Ÿ Add rest of the components and dilute with water to make upto ten liters.
Ÿ Allow to stand for few hours and filter.
Ÿ A dead body of 70 kg weight requires 10 litres of embalming fluid of which
10% will be lost through various drain and purging.
For cavity embalming the composition of the fluid is as follows:
1. Formalin - 60%
2. Methanol - 25%
3. Phenol - 10%
4. Sodium lauryl sulphate - 1%
5. Mercuric chloride - 1%
6. Eucalyptus oil - 1%

EMBALMING ROOM

Embalming Fluid

CHEMICALS & FLUIDS

Ÿ Preservatives
Ÿ Germicides
Ÿ Buffers
Ÿ Wetting agent
Ÿ Anticoagulants
Ÿ Dyes
Ÿ Vehicle
Ÿ Perfuming agent
14
PRESERVATIVES
Ÿ Formaldehyde
Ÿ Methanol
Ÿ Phenol

FORMALDEHYDE
Ÿ Discovered in 1856, by German chemist August Wilhelm Von Hofmann.
Ÿ Colourless
Ÿ Pungent odour
Ÿ Commercially available as formalin containing 37% of formaldehyde in
water.
Ÿ 7% methyl alcohol, 37% formaldehyde remaining water.

METHANOL
Ÿ Volatile, inflammable & poisonous.
Ÿ If consumed, causes blindness & death.
Ÿ Best preservative that precipitates proteins and kills many organisms.
Ÿ Best useful dilution is 75% isopropyl alcohol.
Ÿ It is cheaper but toxic than ethanol.
Ÿ Stabilises formalin.
Ÿ Penetrates & diffuses easily.

PHENOL
Ÿ Carbolic acid, Coal tar derivative, extremely poisonous, colourless,
Crystalline solid.
Ÿ With exposure to light it turns dark (oxidation).
Ÿ Rapidly absorbed by protein content of tissues.
Ÿ Non-soluble in water, Soluble in ether, ethanol, chloroform & glycerine.
Ÿ Powerful germicide & fungicide.
Ÿ Greying of tissues.

GERMICIDES
Ÿ Surface disinfectants
Ÿ Kill microbes
Ÿ E g. phenolic derivatives, zephiran chloride, glutaraldehyde.

BUFFERS
Ÿ Weak acids or basic salts are used to stabilise the pH known as buffers.
Ÿ Stability of the chemicals in embalming depends on pH of the medium.
Ÿ E.g.: sodium borate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, sodium
carbonate.

WETTING AGENT
Ÿ Lowers high surface tension of water & facilitates penetration and
distribution of embalming fluids.
Ÿ E.g.: glycerine, glycol, sorbitol, sodium lauryl sulphate.

15
 ANTICOAGULANTS
Ÿ Used to precipitate the calcium to non-ionized state.
Ÿ They maintain blood in liquid state & facilitate removal of blood and
distribution of arterial fluids.
Ÿ E.g.: sodium citrate, sodium oxalate.

DYES
Ÿ Produce an internal cosmetic effect that simulates natural colouring of
tissues.
Ÿ E.g.: Tetrabromofluorescein(eosin), Ponceau S, Erythrosine, Amaranth,
Acid fuchsin, Toluidine red & Rhodamine.

VEHICLES
Ÿ Diluents / solvents or a mixture of solvents.
Ÿ Helps the ingredients in solution to be in a stable and uniform state during
transport through vascular system to different parts of body.
Ÿ E.g.: alcohol, glycerine, sorbitol, water

PERFUMES
Ÿ Masking agents, water soluble or made water soluble by surfactants.
Ÿ They are floral compounds.
Ÿ E.g.: methyl salicylate (oil of winter green), clove oil, cinnamon oil of
peppermint (menthol) or lavender.

MUSCLE RELAXANTS
Ÿ Relaxes smooth muscles in arterial wall & assist flow of fluids in vascular
system.
Ÿ E. g. magnesium chloride

DISINFECTION

Disinfectant - agent used to inanimate by destroying microbial agent but not

bacterial spores.

Germicide - agent used to inanimate by destroying microbial agent but not

bacterial spores.

Sterilization – effective to decontaminate completely.

EMBALMING FLUIDS
Ÿ Arterial fluids
Ÿ Cavity fluids
Ÿ Pre-injection fluids

ARTERIAL FLUIDS
Ÿ Injected into vascular system.

16
 Ÿ Dilution varies with types of bodies – dehydrated, obese or oedematous.
Ÿ Also varies with special conditions like – refrigerated bodies, burnt
bodies, infants.

ARTERIAL FLUID FOR OBESE SUBJECTS

1. Preservatives Formalin Methanol 10 % 55%
2. Buffer Sodium borate 15 gm.
3. Anticoagulant Sodium citrate 15 gm.
4. Wetting agent Glycerine 15%
5. Germicide Phenol 5%
6. Vehicle Water 15%
7. Fungicide Thymol Few crystals
8. Dye 1% Eosin 5 ml.
9. Perfume Winter green oil 10 ml.

ARTERIAL FLUID FOR THIN SUBJECTS

1. Preservatives Formalin Methanol 10 % 55%
2. Buffer Sodium borate 15 gm.
3. Anticoagulant Sodium citrate 15 gm.
4. Wetting agent Glycerine 20%
5. Germicide Phenol 5%
6. Vehicle Water 10%
7. Fungicide Thymol Few crystals
8. Dye 1% Eosin 5 ml.
9. Perfume Winter green oil 10 ml.

TYPES OF EMBALMING
1. Arterial embalming
2. Cavity embalming
3. Hypodermic embalming
4. Surface embalming
5. Embalming of autopsied body
6. Embalming of HIV infected body.

ARTERIAL EMBALMING
Ÿ The cheek may be filled out with cotton soaked in arterial solution.

Ÿ The mouth and eyelid should be closed.

Ÿ If eyeball is sunken arterial solution should be injected into the orbit and
eyeball.
17
 Ÿ The head should be elevated 8to10cm and placed on head rest and feet raised
to facilitate drainage.

Ÿ Anal orifice and vagina plugged similarly.

ARTERIAL EMBALMING

ARTERIAL EMBALMING

Choice of Vessels
Ÿ The nearer the vessel to the heart, the better the result specially for drainage.

Ÿ Single point injection leaves the patch of area unfixed by embalming fluid.

Ÿ Multiple site injection used in traumatic death, autopsied case and post-
mortem mutilation.

Ÿ Six-point injection involves, R/L common carotid arteries for head and neck,
R/L axillary arteries for upper limb, and R/L femoral arteries for lower limb.

Ÿ On completion, the vessel should be ligated to prevent leakage of embalming

fluid.

18
Ÿ Each side of face injected separately to prevent distortion of face due to over
injection.

Ÿ After injection of one artery it should be ligated before injecting into another
artery.

Ÿ All drainage point should be ligated after completion to prevent leakage of

fluid.

Instruments used for injecting the embalming fluid

a) Hand/ foot pump.
b) Stirrup pump.
c) Bulb syringe:

Ÿ This is a manual pump similar to Higginson's syringe.

Ÿ Bulb type rubber syringe and rubber tubing at either end.

Ÿ Valves, allows suction on one side and ejection on other side

d. Gravity injector:

Ÿ It is the simplest, safest, slowest of the injection method.

Ÿ Gravity bottle or percolator should hold 10 litres of fluid and raised above
body.

Ÿ A rise of 1 M gives a fluid pressure of 0.6kg/[Link] and 2m about 1kg/[Link].

Ÿ Takes longer time and also distribution of fluid is uneven.

INSTRUMENTS

19
 Gravity Injector

e) Motorised injectors:
Ÿ Fluid from injection tank is forced into the vascular system using air from a
compression tank.

Ÿ Pressure and flow rate are controlled by a device

Ÿ 10 litres of arterial solution injected within 30 minutes.

Ÿ Injection pressure is about 2kg/[Link]

20
Motorized Injector

METHOD OF INJECTION

1. Continuous injection and drainage

Ÿ The arterial injection is given continuously.
Ÿ Vein tube kept open throughout injection.
Ÿ Embalming time is reduced.
Ÿ Venous drainage and tissue saturation is poor.
Ÿ Least satisfactory.

2. Continuous injection with disrupted drainage

Ÿ The injection is continuous with vein tube closed.

Ÿ The blood in the vein builds up a resistance for arterial flow which helps in
better diffusion of fluid.

Ÿ Thick blood is discharged when drainage tube is opened.

Ÿ Better than continuous discharge and drainage.

3. Alternate injection and drainage

Ÿ The arterial fluid is injected for some time with drainage tube closed.

Ÿ The injection is stopped when superficial veins swell, and drain tube is
opened.

Ÿ When the flow of blood from the drain tube stops, it is closed and injection
started.

Ÿ This process is repeated several times.

21
 1. Discontinuous injection and drainage:
Ÿ This consists of repeated arterial injection of small quantities at two hours
interval.

Ÿ The total quantity of injection fluid is in excess of ordinary injection done at a

time.

Ÿ Injection is continued for three or four times.

Ÿ The venous drain tube which is closed, is opened a little before and opened a
little after starting another the dose of injection.

Ÿ This is the best method.

CAVITY FLUIDS
Fluids injected into body cavities i.e. thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities with
a trocar.

Ÿ For an average body, about 2 litres of cavity fluid is injected.

Ÿ Preserves & disinfects the walls & parenchyma of organs, contents of hollow
viscera & space between visceral organs.

CAVITY FLUID COMPOSITIONS

1 Formalin 60%
2 Methanol 25%
3 Glycerine 2.5%
4 Phenol 10%
5 Mercuric Chloride 1%
6 Lavender 1%

PRE INJECTION FLUIDS

22
Death
Ÿ Contraction of arterial system

Forces greater volume of blood to capillary bed & venous system

Ÿ 5% in arteries
Ÿ 10% in veins
Ÿ 85% in capillaries

Ÿ Pre injection fluid is injected before injecting arterial fluids.

Ÿ It allows to drain the blood from vascular system.
Ÿ 4 to 5 litres is injected, then wait for 30 mins before injecting arterial fluids.
Ÿ Loosens clots, improves drainage.
Ÿ Contains anticoagulants & buffers.

FLUIDS USED IN DISSECTION LABORATORIES

Paint mixture – for keeping moist.
1 Glycerine 75%
2 Alcohol 10%
3 Phenol 5%
4 Water 10%
Tank (immersion) fluid – for immersing cadavers
1 Formalin 15%
2 Glycerine 20%
3 Phenol 5%
4 Water 60%
Cloth fluid – prevents drying of area under dissection & isolated dissected part.
1 Formalin 5%
2 Glycerine 50%
3 Phenol 5%
4 Water 40%

b) Cavity embalming(closed cavity treatment)

Ÿ Cavity treatment should be done after half to one hour, which allows for the
hardening of the viscera and facilitates piercing of the gut.

Ÿ A motorised aspirator if available is better.

Ÿ A 30 cm long trocar is inserted into the abdomen through small incision 5 to

6cm above umbilicus in the mid line.

23
 Cavity Embalming
Ÿ The trocar is first directed upward, backward and to the left to pierce and
aspirate the stomach.

Ÿ Then the trocar is slightly withdrawn and pushed up towards the right to
pierce right side of heart.

Next the right and left pleural sacs are reached by piercing diaphragm and
aspirated.

Ÿ Later several punctures are made in small intestine, caecum, colon to suck out
the contents.

Ÿ The urinary bladder, sigmoid colon and rectum should be aspirated.

Ÿ One litre of cavity fluid should be injected, distributing it evenly throughout

the cavity.

METHODS OF EMBALMING
Ÿ Arterial embalming
Ÿ Cavity embalming

24
Supplemental metho
Ÿ Hypodermic embalming
Ÿ Surface embalming

HYPODERMIC EMBALMING
Ÿ To preserve small or large local body areas by subcutaneous injection.

Ÿ May be arterial fluid or cavity fluid.

Ÿ Hypodermic syringe, 8 to 19 gauge of varying length.

Ÿ Suitable for embalming isolated limbs, body parts following bomb blast, air
crash, railway accident injuries.

Ÿ Embalming fluid is injected subcutaneously.

SURFACE EMBALMING
Ÿ Local body areas are preserved by applying suitable chemicals to surfaces
of the body.

Ÿ May be arterial or cavity fluid.

Ÿ Packs of cotton or gauge are soaked, applied to external skin.

Ÿ E g: burnt tissues, bed sores, surface lesions

Ÿ Suitable for burn injury cases.

Ÿ Whole body is packed with cotton soaked in embalming fluid.

EMBALMING OF AN AUTOPSIED BODY

Ÿ Before stitching up, thoraco-abdominal and cranial cavity is sponged with
embalming fluid.

Ÿ Then viscera are properly treated with embalming fluid, covering and
packing with embalming fluid soaked cotton

Ÿ Placed within the body cavity and stitched up.

Ÿ If body is already stitched up, removed and re -stitched.

EMBALMING OF HIV/AIDS BODY

Ÿ Concentration of arterial and cavity embalming fluid is increased.
Ÿ Recommended precautions to be taken during handling the body.

25
 EMBALMING PROCEDURE

Factors determining the flow of fluids into tissues

Ÿ Capillary resistance,
Ÿ Chemical composition,
Ÿ Injection pressure,
Ÿ Osmosis, diffusion & gravity.

GRAVITY INJECTION
Ÿ Traditional, safest, simplest & least expensive.

Ÿ Graduated glass bottle of 10 litres with an outlet.

Ÿ Outlet is corked through which the nozzle is passed, connected to

transparent rubber tube with screw clamp to regulate the rate of flow.

Ÿ Other end is attached to injecting needle or cannula.

Ÿ Bottle filled with arterial fluid is kept 4 to 6 feet height above the
embalming table.

Ÿ Rise of 1 foot gives fluid pressure of 0.43 pound.

ELECTRIC PUMP
Ÿ Simple device which generates pressure to force the fluid from tank to
vascular system.

Ÿ Provides steady & high pressure.

Ÿ Delivers 8 to 10 litres fluid within 30 to 45 min.

STEPS DURING EMBALMING

Ÿ Injection
Ÿ Distribution
Ÿ Diffusion
Ÿ Drainage

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING AN ARTERY

Ÿ Size/diameter of the artery
Ÿ Practicality of drainage from the accompanying vein
Ÿ Depth/location of the artery
Ÿ Branches of the artery
Ÿ Proximity to the arch of the Aorta

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING VEIN

Ÿ Size/diameter of the vein

26
Ÿ Proximity to the right atrium of the heart
Ÿ Depth of vein
Ÿ Ease of raising the vessel

INJECTION TECHNIQUES
Ÿ One point injection
Ÿ Split injection/drainage
Ÿ Multipoint injection
Ÿ Restricted cervical injectionSix point injection (sectional embalming)

ONE POINT INJECTION

Ÿ One location is used for both injection & drainage.

Ÿ The most common location is the right common carotid artery & the
accompanying internal jugular vein.

Ÿ The femoral artery& femoral vein is the 2nd most popular vessel.

Ÿ The least common location is the axillary / brachial artery & vein.

SPLIT INJECTION/DRAINAGE
Ÿ The injection of solution from one location & drainage from another.
Ÿ This method may reduce short-circuiting of fluid.
Ÿ The most frequently used split injection/drainage sites are:

1. The right FEMORAL artery for INJECTION

2. The right INTERNAL JUGULAR vein for drainage.

MULTIPOINT INJECTION
ŸInjection from 2 or more arteries.
ŸDrainage can be done from one or more locations.
ŸA multipoint injection solves the problem of poor distribution.

SIX POINT INJECTION

Ÿ Method is always used for bodies that have been autopsied.

Ÿ Method may be used as a primary injection technique for advanced

decomposition.

Ÿ Drainage can be done from one location but usually at each injection point.

Ÿ Identify, raise & ligate the following vessels-

Ÿ Right internal jugular vein (insert a drain tube toward the heart)

27
 1. Right common carotid artery (insert injection tube toward the head/heart)

2. Left common carotid artery (insert injection tube toward the head, tie off the
proximal end)

3. Right axillary or brachial artery (insert injection tube toward the right hand,
ligate the proximal end)

4. Left axillary or brachial artery (insert injection tube toward the left hand, ligate
the proximal end)

5. Right femoral artery (insert injection tube toward the foot, ligate the proximal
end)

6. Left femoral artery (Insert injection toward the foot, ligate the proximal end)

Inject in the following order-

1. Right leg, left leg
2. Right arm, left arm
3. Trunk of body (using the right common carotid)
4. Left side of the head, right side of the head

Restricted cervical injection

Ÿ The head is embalmed separately from the body.

Ÿ Raise the right common carotid artery & internal jugular vein.

Ÿ Insert an arterial tube toward the head, with stopcock open.

Insert an arterial tube toward the trunk. Insert a drain tube toward the heart.

Raise the left common carotid artery

Ÿ Insert an arterial tube toward the head, with stopcock open.
Ÿ Clamp or ligate the distal end of the artery.

28
Restricted cervical injection trunk
Ÿ Inject the trunk of the body, with drainage taken from the internal jugular vein.
(solution entering the head by collateral circulation exits from the open
stopcocks)

Ÿ Inject the left side of the head, leaving the right stopcock open.

Ÿ Inject the right side of the head, leaving the left stopcock open.

Restricted Cervical Injection is recommended in the following situation-

1. Body with general oedema
2. Bodies that are likely to purge
3. Poor distribution
4. Body with facial or head trauma
5. Cases of eye enucleation
6. Delayed embalming

Drainage
Ÿ Is brought about by displacement,
Ÿ Arterial solution is injected into the circulatory system & this forces the
blood to come out.

Drainage is composed of-

Ÿ Blood & blood clots.
Ÿ Interstitial fluid & lymphatic fluid.
Ÿ Embalming fluid.

Purpose of draining-
Ÿ To make room for arterial fluids.
Ÿ Ensure even distribution.
Ÿ Avoid discoloration, odour, formation of gas.
Ÿ Prevent decomposition.
Ÿ Reduce microbial activity.

Drainage sites-
Ÿ Internal jugular vein
Ÿ Femoral vein
Ÿ Right atrium of heart
Ÿ Inferior vena cava

Methods of drainage-
Ÿ Alternate drainage
Ÿ Concurrent drainage
Ÿ Intermittent drainage

29
 Cavity embalming-
Ÿ Not a visible process.
Ÿ Two steps – aspiration & injection.
Ÿ Done after arterial embalming

Organs treated-
Ÿ Pancreas
Ÿ Spleen
Ÿ Kidney
Ÿ Liver
Ÿ Lungs
Ÿ Heart
Ÿ Stomach
Ÿ Intestines
Ÿ Brain & brain stem

Instruments-
1. Scalpel and blade

30
2. Electric aspirator

3. Hydro aspirator

4. Pointed trocar

5. Rubber tube

31
 6. Hand pump

7. Nasal tube aspirator

8. Autopsy aspirator

9. Needle

32
QUADRANTS OF ABDOMEN

Trocar guides
Ÿ Trocar is inserted into abdominal wall, kept close to anterior abdominal wall
until it reaches the specific organ.

Ÿ 2 inches to left & 2 inches superior to umbilicus.

33
 Ÿ Right side of heart-Move trocar along line of left anterior iliac spine to right
ear lobule.

Ÿ Stomach- Direct towards intersection of 5th intercostal space & left mid
axillary line.

Ÿ Caecum- Directed to ¾ of distance between line from pubic symphysis to

right anterior superior iliac spine. When the point of trocar is 5cm from line
–point is depressed then thrust forward to pierce the caecum.
34
Ÿ Urinary bladder- Directed towards pubic symphysis in median plane until it
touches the pubic bone. Retract the trocar slightly, then depress the point
gently & pierce into the bladder.

Timing for cavity embalming

Ÿ Immediately after arterial embalming.
Ÿ Several hours later after arterial embalming.

35
 THORACIC ASPIRATION

Insert trocar
Ÿ Along imaginary line from left anterior superior iliac spine to right ear
lobule.
Ÿ Aspirate heart.

Aspirate
Ÿ Anterior part of pleural cavity
Ÿ And lungs.

Direct the trocar

Ÿ On either side of vertebral column to reach the hilum of lung.
Ÿ Aspirate the root of bronchial tree leading to trachea.

Thoracic Aspiration

ABDOMINAL ASPIRATION

Insert trocar
th
Ÿ Move trocar between 5 intercostal space & mid axillary line.
Ÿ Pierce stomach & aspirate.

Next withdraw trocar

Ÿ Pierce intestines & liver – aspirate.
Ÿ By “fanning movement”.

Direct trocar
Ÿ To pelvis.
Ÿ Pierce urinary bladder, sigmoid colon & rectum – aspirate.

36
Abdominal Aspiration
Ÿ After aspiration
Ÿ Cavity fluid is injected in all cavities & over the viscera.
Ÿ Concentrated fluid is injected because the residual blood, lymph can dilute it.
Ÿ Cause decomposition.??
Ÿ On an average, 70kg body needs 1 litre of cavity fluid for each thoracic &
abdominal cavity.
Ÿ Injected either by 100ml syringe or lumbar puncture needle.
Ÿ Trocar & cannula used for aspiration.
Ÿ After completion of cavity treatment.
Ÿ Openings are closed using 2 sutures commonly.
Ÿ Nylon threads are used.

THIEL'S METHOD OF SOFT EMBALMING

Ÿ Thiel soft-fix embalming method retains the body's natural look.
Ÿ Skin and muscles remain flexible, allowing the limbs to be moved
Ÿ The body's internal organs are clearly identifiable and respond to the surgeon's
scalpel as if alive
Ÿ Mainly done for Cadaveric Workshop pursposes
Ÿ Conventional methods of preservation using formaldehyde leave the body
stiff and fragile.
Ÿ This technique uses a mixture of 4-chloro-3-methylphenol, and various other
salts for fixation, boric acid for disinfecting and ethylene glycol for the
preservation of tissue plasticity, while the concentration of formalin is kept to
a strict minimum (0.8%).

37
 Ÿ Two stem solutions (A and B) are prepared.
Ÿ Using these two stem solutions as the base, the fluid for embalming and
storage are constituted.

Steps of Soft Embalming-

Stem solution A
Ÿ Boric acid 3%: 9 kg
Ÿ (mono-) Ethylene glycol 30%:19 L
Ÿ Ammonium nitrate 20%: 12.6 kg
Ÿ Potassium nitrate 5%: 3.2 kg
Ÿ Water: 63.3 L
Ÿ Total: 100 L

Stem solution B
Ÿ (mono-) Ethylene glycol 10%: 18.2 L
Ÿ 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol 1%: 1.8 kg
Ÿ Total: 20 L

Embalming solution
Ÿ Stem solution A: 14.3 L
Ÿ Stem solution B: 0.5 L
Ÿ Formalin: 0.3 L
Ÿ Sodium sulphite: 0.7 kg
Ÿ Total: 15.8 L

Ÿ Sodium sulphite and formalin are added just before perfusion.

Ÿ The final concentration of formaldehyde works out to < 0.5%.

Ÿ The cadavers are perfused through the great saphenous vein.

Ÿ If this vein is difficult to find or to inject, the femoral or carotid artery is used.

Ÿ Fourteen litres of the embalming solution is perfused.

Ÿ Subsequently, the bodies were to be immersed in tanks allowing them to

mature for 4–6 weeks before they are used for dissection.

The immersion solution was to be constituted as follows:

Ÿ (mono-) Ethylene glycol 10%: 71.9 L
Ÿ Formalin 2%: 14.4 L
Ÿ Stem solution B 2%: 14.4 L
Ÿ Boric acid 3%: 21.6 kg
Ÿ Ammonium nitrate 10%: 71.9 kg
Ÿ Potassium nitrate 5%: 36 kg
38
 Ÿ Sodium sulphite 7%: 50 kg
Ÿ Water: 720 L
Ÿ Total: 1000.2 L.

Ÿ After each use, the cadavers are to be vacuum sealed in plastic bags and kept in
mortuary cooler which can be used for 3 weeks cadaveric workshop training
purposes like raising skin, muscle and bone flaps, skull base and endoscopic
sinus surgery, laparoscopic procedures, intraoral procedures and knee and
shoulder arthroscopic surgical training.

Ÿ By the end of 1 month, the bodies began to show signs of deterioration and
decay indicating that it might not be good for long-term use.

Ÿ If the concentration of formalin is raised to 4% then the cadaver can be

preserved for 6 months.

CADAVER INJECTOR

EMBALMING ROOM

39
 AFTER EMBALMING STORAGE OF BODY IN TANK

EMBALMING FLUID RESERVOIR EMBALMING FLUID MIXER

ADVANTAGES OF EMBALMING
The process of embalming leads to:

Ÿ Temporary preservation & sanitization of cadaver.

Ÿ Body is inoffensive due to slow down of postmortem changes.

Ÿ Preservation for anatomical study & research by medical institutions.

Ÿ Restores a favourable body image by removing the adverse effects of disease,

trauma or postmortem changes.

Ÿ So the deceased can be transported to a distant location for final disposition.

40
Ÿ Seeing the body allows the friends & family to accept the reality of death.

Ÿ Allows time to organize funeral ceremony & rituals

Ÿ Slows the breakdown of the body over time (desiccation rather than
putrefaction)

MECHANISM OF ACTION
Ÿ The embalming chemicals & proteins combine to form a latticework of inert,
firm material (cannot be easily broken down by bacterial or autolytic
enzymes).

Ÿ Body proteins have many reactive centres & a great affinity to hold water.
Embalming destroys these reactive centres & the new protein like substance
no longer has the ability to retain water i.e. are more stable & long-lasting.

Ÿ The germicides & preservatives inactivate body enzymes & destroy both
pathogenic & non-pathogenic bacteria (sanitized).

SPECIALIST EMBALMING
Ÿ Badly decomposing bodies, trauma cases, frozen or drowned bodies, and
those to be transported over long distances also require special treatment
beyond that for the "normal" case.

Ÿ The restoration of bodies and external features damaged by an accident or

disease is commonly done by restorative art or demi-surgery, and all qualified
embalmers have some degree of training and practice in it. For such cases, the
benefit of embalming is startlingly apparent.

AUTOPSIED EMBALMING
Ÿ Embalming autopsy cases differs from standard embalming because the
nature of the post-mortem examination irrevocably disrupts the circulatory
system, due to the removal of the organs and viscera.

Ÿ In these cases, a six-point injection is made through the two iliac or femoral
arteries, subclavian or Axillary vessels, and Common carotids, with the
viscera treated separately with cavity fluid or a special embalming powder in a
viscera bag, "shake and bake".

Ÿ In many morgues in the United States and New Zealand, these necessary
vessels are carefully preserved during the autopsy; in countries where
embalming is less common, such as Australia and Japan, they are routinely
excised.

RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF EMBALMING

Ÿ Most of the those who follow Christian faith generally allow embalming.

41
 Ÿ Some bodies within Eastern Orthodoxy profess an absolute ban against
embalming except when required by law.

Ÿ The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints do not discourage or

prohibit embalming.

Ÿ Members of Iglesia ni Cristo allows embalming for the view of their loved
ones.

Ÿ It forbids autopsy and cremation because they believe the body of the
deceased is sacred and should be taken care with respect.

Ÿ Some Neopagans generally discourage embalming, believing it unnatural to

disrupt the physical recycling of the body to the Earth in the mistaken belief
that embalmed bodies do not decompose. They encourage the use of green
graveyards.

Ÿ Zoroastrians traditionally hold a type of sky burial within a structure known as

a Tower of Silence in which the body is exposed to weathering and predation
to dispose of the remains, and thus embalming the body is contrary to their
funeral designs.

Ÿ Embalming is not practiced by Muslims.

Ÿ The body is covered in a plain white burial shroud called "kafan". They do not
use coffins. Instead, the body is buried in a grave.

OCCUPATIONAL RISKS OF EMBALMING

Ÿ Bloodborne & airborne pathogens.

Ÿ Clostridium difficile – mutated toxin is 20 times more potent.

Ÿ MRSA, Actinobacter haumanii, VRE, VRSA, VISA, Pseudomonas

aeruginosa & CJD.

Ÿ HIV, Hep B & C.

Ÿ TB-MDR

Ÿ Female embalmer during pregnancy- TORCH, Human Parvovirus B19,

Syphilis

Ÿ Exposure to chemical hazards- formalin

Ÿ Maintain good personal hygiene, wear proper PPE & work in an environment
at safe OSHA formaldehyde levels

42
NOTABLE EMBALMING
Ÿ Lord Nelson, Abraham Lincoln, Joseph Stalin, the most famous embalmed
body of the 20th century is that of Vladimir Lenin, which continues to draw
crowds decades after his death in 1924, and is seen in his Moscow
mausoleum.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF PRACTICE OF EMBALMING

Ÿ Proper identification of body by near relatives is done before procedure.

Ÿ Written consent for the procedure should be obtained.

Ÿ No objection certificate from police should be obtained.

Ÿ Death certificate should be referred before embalming.

Ÿ In case of foreigner, Embassy clearance should be obtained in addition.

Ÿ In medicolegal cases, it should be done after autopsy.

Ÿ Death certificate/P.M report should be accompanied with the dead body.

Ÿ On completion of embalming, embalmer/competent authority should a issue

certificate (for local transport 3copies, and for international transport 5
copies).

Ÿ In case of embalming of dead body who suffered from noticeable disease

(cholera, rabies, plague, tetanus, Hep B, AIDS, TB etc) concern authority is
informed.

MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS OF EMBALMING

1. Embalming should never be allowed before autopsy, it may induce artifacts
and poses difficulty in interpreting the findings.

2. Embalming provides chemical stiffening similar to rigor mortis, so difficulty

arise in estimating time since death.

3. Embalming alters the appearance of body so interpretation of injuries become

difficult.

4. Embalming destroys cyanide, alcohol, opiates, carbon monoxide thus

toxicological analysis become useless or difficult.

5. Embalming kills bacteria so bacteriologic evaluation become useless.

6. Due to embalming blood grouping cannot be made out.

43
 7. Detection of thrombus or embolism is not possible.

8. The dimensions of wound may be modified by the embalmer or new wounds

may be produced due to use of trochar.

9. Embalming should not be done prior to autopsy in MLC.

10. Heavy metals should be avoided in embalming mixture.

CHRONOLOGY FOR EMBALMING THE UNAUTOPSIED ADULT

BODY
Ÿ Although these steps vary from one embalmer to another, there is a good list to
get you started.

Ÿ As you begin to embalm yourself, you will develop your own style.

Ÿ You will learn different steps from different embalmers, and the funeral rites
may even dictate exactly how the embalming procedure is to be done.

PRECAUTIONS OF EMBALMING IN UNAUTOPSIED ADULT BODY

1. Remove all clothings and record any personal effects such as a ring, watch, or
dentures.

Ÿ Remember that if a family wants the clothing back it requires you must first
wash it before returning it.

Always ask if the family wants the sheet back if the transfer occurred from the
home.

2. Disinfect the body with a droplet spray or disinfectant solution.

3. Disinfect and clean all of the body orifices with the solution and swab them
clean.

4. Position the body.

5. Relieve any rigor mortis simply by manipulating the area with the rigor.

6. Tilt the head slightly to the right and elevate above the chest.

7. Wash the body with a germicidal soap.

8. This is the time to clean underneath the nails.

9. Cleaning the nails after the arterial injection can cause the skin to tear.

44
10. Shave facial hair, only if permission has been given.

11. DON'T SHAVE A WOMAN OR CHILD WITHOUT PERMISSION as the

book suggests.

12. A family sued a funeral home once because the embalmer plucked a hair from
Aunt Ida's mole!

13. Close the mouth.

14. You learn the different methods of closure in due course.

15. If the dentures were used by the dead person and then don't forget to clean
them before you put them in the mouth of the cadaver (also remember the
GROOVE).

16. Close the eyes using an eye cap.

17. Place massage cream on the entire face and neck at that time to prevent drying
of the tissue during the arterial injection.

Ÿ Number 6 is also referred to as “setting the features”.

18. Select the artery and vein that will be used in the process.

19. Select and prepare the fluids that will be used.

20. Inject the embalming solution and ask these questions :

Ÿ How much solution is needed?

Ÿ What should the solution strength be?
Ÿ Which areas are and which are not receiving embalming fluid?
Ÿ Has the body received the right amount of solution?
Ÿ We will answer these questions in detail later.

21. After the arterial injection, determine if surface of hypodermic embalming is

required.

22. Remove the arterial tubes and drain devices.

23. Dry and tightly suture incisions.

24. Aspirate the body.

25. Inject the cavity with cavity fluid.

45
 26. Remove any surgical drains, colostomy bags, or other such medical devices
that were on the body from the hospital.

27. Open the drain then disinfect and suture these areas.

Ÿ Why not remove the drains and lines from the body “prior” to this point?

28. Rewash the hair and body.

29. Dry the body.

30. Pack all of the orifices with cotton.

31. Contrary to the book, you do not need to glue the eyes and mouth shut on
every person.

32. Re aspirate if necessary.

33. Clean and fill the embalming machine with water.

34. Clean all instruments used during the procedure and properly dispose of all
waste.

35. Dress the body in plastic garments if necessary.

36. These should not automatically be used.

37. Restorative Art treatment can now begin.

CHRONOLOGY FOR THE AUTOPSIED BODY

1. Spray the body with a disinfectant and then wash the body with a liquid soap.

2. Open the temporary autopsy sutures and if present remove the bag containing
the viscera, place it in a bucket and pour a bottle of cavity fluid over it.

3. Relieve the rigor mortis.

4. Shave the facial hair with PERMISSION.

5. Clean the oral cavity and close the mouth.

6. Clean the eyes and close them with eye caps.

7. Prepare the arterial solution.

8. Raise the arteries to be used.

46
Ÿ This will be much more difficult because each limb has to be embalmed
separately.

9. Inject the legs.

10. Select the subclavian or axillary arteries.

11. Inject the arms.

12. Inject the head using the carotids. Inject the left side first.

13. From within the cavity using a small trocar inject the buttocks, trunk walls,
shoulders, and back of the neck.

14. Aspirate and dry out all of the cavities.

15. Replace the viscera into the cavities.

16. Use the baseball stitch to suture the incision.

17. Anchor the calavarium in place and suture the scalp closed from the right to
the left.

18. Wash and dry the body.

19. Apply a surface sealer to the autopsy sutures.

20. Glue the mouth and eyes, ONLY IF NEEDED.

21. Place the body in plastic garments, ONLY IF NEEDED.

22. Restorative Art can now begin.

ANATOMY ACT (1949)

Ÿ An Act to provide for the supply of unclaimed bodies of deceased persons to
hospitals and medical and teaching institutions for the purpose of anatomical
examination and dissection.

Ÿ Enacted by Bombay Anatomy Act.

Ÿ Act provides for the collection of dead body for teaching purpose only if the
death occurs in state hospital or in a public place within the prescribed zone of
medical institute, provided the police have declared after lapse of 48 hours
that there are no claimants, and can be used for medical education.

47
 LEGAL PROCEDURES BEFORE EMBALMBING

48
 2
MUSEUM TECHNIQUES

Introduction
Ÿ Silverstone states that 'museums are in many respects like other contemporary
media.

Ÿ They entertain and inform; they tell stories and construct arguments; they aim
to educate; they define, consciously or unconsciously; effectively an agenda;
they translate the otherwise unfamiliar and inaccessible information into the
familiar and accessible'.

Ÿ Even the small museums in addition to their educational value, play a part in
recording the history of medicine, since the common diseases of today may
well be the rarities of tomorrow.

Ÿ To fulfil such purpose it is essential that the original shape, colour of the
specimen should be retained.

Ÿ Relevant photographs, radiographs, presentation, labelling, cataloguing are

of equal importance.

Preparation of the specimens

Ÿ Good museum specimens are obtained & preserved by care & planning at the
time of autopsy.

Ÿ Careful treatment after removal.

Ÿ Careless removal of sections can easily ruin a specimen.

Ÿ Preparation of the specimens should be done in such a way that

Ÿ Cut surfaces should be smooth & even.

Ÿ By using a continuous stroke with the long –bladed sharp knife.

Ÿ Tissue should be taken either from back of the specimen intended for
preservation or from the front with a scalpel.

49
 Ÿ Specimen should be put into a fixative almost immediately.

Ÿ Containers with formal-saline should be always readily available to theatre

staff.

Methods of colour maintenance

Ÿ Primary fixation- 10% formal saline

Ÿ Then the specimen transferred to a special fixative afterwards.

Ÿ The technique most widely used modification of the method by Kaiserling

(1900)

The original technique employs three solutions:

1. Fixing fluid
2. Restoring the original colour of the specimen
3. And mounting fluid

Pulvertaft's modification (1936)

Ÿ A method of restoring colour of tissues is by the addition of reducing agent to
the mounting medium.

Ÿ Reducing agent sodium hydrosulphite

NOTE: The original specimens mounted by Pulvertaft's technique show

remarkably little fading even after 35 yrs.

Pulvertaft-Kaiserling method

Solutions:
1. Kaiserling's fluid I-fixing fluid
2. Formalin 400ml
3. Potassium nitrate 30g
4. Potassium acetate 60g
5. Tap – water to 2000ml
50
NOTE: Specimens to be transferred to this fluid either after fixation in formal
saline or directly fixed in it.

2) Kaiserling's fluid II- To restore color

1. Ethyl alcohol 80%
2. May be used to restore color in an emergency (color photography).
3. Not necessary when using a sodium hydrosulphite mounting fluid.
4. The time should be carefully controlled (30 mins-4 hrs).

NOTE: Continued immersion in alcohol has a permanent bleaching effect &

the color so lost is not afterwards restored by the mounting fluid.

3) Pulvertaft – Kaiserling mounting fluid III

1. Glycerin 300ml
2. Sodium acetate 100g
3. Formalin 5ml
4. Tap – water to 1000ml

Ÿ 0.4% sodium hydrosulphite is added immediately before sealing the jar.

Ÿ If the solution is not crystal clear:

Ÿ Should be filtered through a paper pulp filter.

Ÿ 30ml of saturated sol. of camphor in alcohol should be added to 1 litre of the

solution.

ISRAEL & YOUNG (1978) used pure liquid paraffin as the final mountant after
colour restoration with alcohol.

NOTE: This procedure reduces chances of discoloration of the mounting fluid by

pigments in the specimen.

Wentworth methods (1938, 1939, 1942, 1957)

Ÿ In a series of papers Wentworth described modifications of Pulvertaft 's
method.

Ÿ Which dispensed with the alcohol step for colour restoration.

Ÿ He used only sodium hydrosulphite & omitted glycerol from the final
mountant.

Solutions –1957 method

1) Liq. Formaldehyde (40%)- 100 ml
Sodium acetate- 40 gm
Water- 1000 ml

51
 2) Liq. Formaldehyde (40%) -10 ml
Sodium acetate-40 gm
Sodium phosphate Na2HPO4 -1 gm
Water- 1000 ml

3) Liq. Formaldehyde (40%)- 10 ml

Sodium acetate – 100 gm
Sodium phosphate Na2HPO4- 1gm
Glycerine- 200 ml
Water- 1000 ml

Ÿ Through fixation is required for at least 1 month in solution I.

Ÿ When ready to mount pH should be determined.
Ÿ If pH is greater than 6.5 specimen placed directly in [Link]
Ÿ If pH is less than 6.5 specimen placed in sol. II
Ÿ If the pH of the [Link] is at least 7.5 the specimen is mounted in fresh solution
III to which sodium hydrosulphite (3g/1000g) is added immediately before
sealing.

Fixation of the specimens

Ÿ Additional rules should be followed in fixing of museum specimens:

Ÿ Specimens should be always injected with fixative if possible, to ensure

adequate fixation (e.g Brain).

Ÿ Specimens containing much blood must not be washed in water at any time,
either before or after fixation.

Ÿ Fresh specimen should lie on a thick layer of cotton wool covered by lint.

Ÿ The specimen with its attached structures, must be fixed.

Ÿ Cystic cavities, if unopened, are inflated or if opened are packed with cotton
wool soaked in fixative so as to maintain their natural shape.

Ÿ Bile stained or bile containing specimens must be fixed & stored separately.

Storage of the specimens

Ÿ Storage of the specimens should be done in following manner:

Ÿ The method must permit easy & have unique identification no. for each
specimen.

A reference book should be maintained to record necessary details about the

specimens.

52
Ÿ Specimens should be stored in separate containers to avoid damage caused by
contact with other specimen.

Ÿ The containers should be labelled adequately on the outside & label should be
tied to specimen with linen thread.

Mounting of the specimens

Ÿ When specimens are brought from the storage containers some amount of
attention will be required towards them before mounting:

Ÿ Slight irregularities developed on the surface of the specimens may need to be

re-cut.

Ÿ If specimens of membranes, skin, intestines have been pinned on the cork

board outer edges will require trimming.

Ÿ After the removal of cotton wool the natural cavities should be filled with
arsenious acid gelatin.

Ÿ Colour perspex arrows or rods & black horse hair used to identify delicate
anatomical structures.

Ÿ Friable specimens may be covered with a thin layer of arsenious acid gelatin
& used locally to hold fragments such as blood clot in position.

Ÿ Bile specimens should be soaked in saturated sol. of CaCl for 24 hrs.

Procedure for mounting

Ÿ The specimen should be laid on a flat, water proofed preferably formica
covered bench.

Ÿ Position should as far as possible, be anatomically correct.

Ÿ Specimen is then measured, allowing a 1cm clearance at the top, sides & 2cm
at the bottom.

Ÿ The extra clearance at the bottom is to enable a label to be fitted without

obscuring part of the specimen.

Ÿ Depth is measured & approx. 5mm added for the entire plate.

Ÿ A suitable box is then taken from stock, ordered or made.

Museum jars & boxes

Ÿ Perspex boxes are used almost universally today.

53
 Ÿ They are available commercially or made in the laboratory.

Ÿ The laboratory made boxes have advantage that such boxes may be designed
to fit each specimen exactly.

Ÿ Perspex boxes made by cutting four sides, a top & bottom from Perspex
sheeting cementing them together with a Perspex cement.

Ÿ An alternative better method is to bend a strip of Perspex to form top & sides
of the box.

Centre plates
Ÿ Commercial boxes may be obtained already fitted with centre plates.

Ÿ Coloured opaque Perspex centre plates may be used to enhance the colour of
the specimen or to enable specimens to be attached to both the sides.

Ÿ the great majority of specimens may be simply stitched to a centre plate,

which just fits into the box with about 5mm clearance at the top.

Attaching the specimens to the centre plate

Ÿ Specimen is arranged in desired position & with a scribe crosses are made on
the centre plate.

Ÿ The no. of stitches depends upon weight & consistency of the tissue.

Ÿ Stitches should not be placed through the pathological lesions.

Ÿ After marking on the centre plate 1-2 mm diameter holes are drilled at those
points.

Ÿ In case of nylon thread: 2 holes 1mm in diameter

Ÿ In case of linen thread with glass bead: one hole is drilled at each point.

Ÿ The bead should be slightly larger than the hole to act as a retainer for the tie.

Ÿ Centre plate is thoroughly washed & dried on the fluff less cloth.

Ÿ The threads should be emerged from the specimen about 1 cm apart so as to

form a V of tissue on which to tie.

Ÿ A reef knot is tied.

Ÿ Gives a tight tie which will not sleep.

54
Ÿ An alternative method used for attaching is to cement spikes of Perspex made
up from Perspex rod.

Ÿ After placing it in the suitable position press the specimen on to the spikes.

Fixing the centre plate

Ÿ The centre plate with the attached specimen is put on to the box.

Ÿ Marks are made with the grease pencil, if stops are required to hold the plate in
position.

Ÿ In case of using a deeper box 2 rectangles of 3mm perspex measuring 5mm

square are cemented to the wall of the box.

Filling & sealing

Ÿ 0.4 % sodium hydrosulphite has been added to museum fluid & is run into
within 1 cm of the top.

Ÿ Trapped air bubbles are released with a broad-bladed spatula.

Ÿ For introducing remaining mounting fluid a hole of 3mm is drilled into the
corner of the lid.

Ÿ Top of the box is wiped dry & perspex/ ethylene dichloride is applied with a
Pasteur pipette.

Ÿ After 30 sec the surplus cement is carefully removed.

Ÿ After 30 sec a lead weight is applied & left for atleast 1 hr (2-3 hrs preferably).

Ÿ A short length of perspex rod is tapped into the hole & specimen should be left
for 24-48 hrs.

Ÿ After removal of the perspex plug the box is filled with the museum fluid.

Ÿ After removal of the last air bubble perspex plug is replaced & after drying it is
sealed with the perspex cement.

Ÿ An alternative method includes tapping the hole & plugging it with a nylon
screw.

Mounting in glass jar

Ÿ The specimens are mounted in jars in the same manner as on the centre plate.

Ÿ Except the holes are drilled with a engraver's tool.

55
 Ÿ By using camphor dissolved in turpentine as a lubricant.

Ÿ While drilling holes the glass sheet must be on absolutely flat surface.

Ÿ Sealing of the glass jar is done with the help of asphaltum-rubber compound.

Ÿ Flame with a Bunsen burner until picein runs completely cover till ground
edge.

Ÿ Placing the specimen in the jar & jar should be filled with mounting fluid to
within 1cm of the top.

Ÿ Hold the lid with a pair of forceps & after heating the lid it should be placed
firmly on the top of the jar with the help of cloth.

Ÿ After setting removal of excess Picein is done & edges are painted with a
black enamel / asphaltum varnish.

Embedding in a solid plastic blocks

Ÿ Ideal method for presenting a museum specimen.

Ÿ But unfortunately there is as yet no method available to protect the colour of

the soft tissue specimen.

MACERATION
ŸUsed to demonstrate bony lesions, such are produced as:

Ÿ Osteogenic sarcomas, osteomas, chronic osteomyelitis & TB.

Technique employed depends upon the degree & type of the lesion.

Ÿ For the preservation of the finest spicules of bone- Putrefaction method.

Ÿ As a routine method, the specimen should be boiled in tap-water / very dilute

(N/100) sodium hydroxide.

Ÿ At the intervals during boiling the softened tissue should be removed from the
specimen.

Ÿ A gross method for the compact bone is autoclaving in N/10 sodium

hydroxide for 5 min.

Ÿ But this will also remove the fine bony spicules along with the soft tissue.

Degreasing & bleaching

Ÿ Fat is removed by immersion of the bone in chloroform for 3-4 hrs

56
Ÿ Specimens are then dried in an incubator & bleached in hydrogen peroxide.

Mounting
Ÿ Macerated bones are mounted dry, either on the centre plate or with Perspex
supports designed for individual specimens.

Ÿ Nylon thread should be used for tying on the centre plate & A drop of Perspex
cement is applied to the knot to give added support.

Calculi

Older method:
Calculi are often presented by -

a) dry mounting in boxes with reversible glass lids.

b) Mounting in gelatin to which formalin has been added.

Disadvantages: In the former the specimens become very dirty & in the latter the
gelatin slowly dissolved.

Recent method
Ÿ To utilize both the halves of calculi by polishing & mounting one half &
labelling other half with Indian ink, the latter being kept for the students to
handle & study more closely.

Drawbacks of the routine formalin fixed techniques

Ÿ Irritating odour

Ÿ Bleached colourless parts.

Ÿ Do not give naturalistic idea.

Ÿ Difficulty in maintaining the sections.

Ÿ The luminal architecture, dimensions, branching patterns are almost

impossible to imagine in a dissection.

Plastination
Ÿ A technique of preparation of dry, coloured, non-toxic, durable, odourless,
natural looking specimens.

Types:
1. Whole Organ Plastination
2. Sheet Plastination
3. Luminal Cast Plastination

57
 Material used:
1. Jars for storage & processing
2. Acetone
3. Silicone rubber
4. Resin, catalyst, accelerator
5. Colour paints
6. Dissection instruments
7. Syringes, needles.

Whole Organ Plastination

Ÿ Helps in better understanding of total structure & relationships.

Method:
Ÿ Washing of the specimen with tap water.
Ÿ Immersion in preservative:
Ÿ 95% alcohol-280ml
Ÿ Formalin- 1320ml
Ÿ Glycerine- 80ml
Ÿ Phenol- 120ml
Ÿ Distilled water- 800m
Ÿ Time required for complete fixation is 2-3 days
Ÿ Washing of formalin in running tap water
Ÿ Transferring of specimen to acetone jar
Ÿ Then to a jar of resin & left in it for about 1-2 weeks
Ÿ Finally the specimen is immersed in a mixture of resin (general purpose
resin), catalyst (5%) & accelerator (0.1%)
Ÿ After few hours specimen becomes non sticky
Ÿ Specimen is mounted on a suitable base & properly oriented.

Sheet Plastination
Ÿ Useful method for the preparation of thin transparent or thick opaque body
sections.

Ÿ The sheets are totally portable, the whole body may be cut into slices & stored
dry.
58
Ÿ The inner relationships are best appreciable.

Method:
Ÿ After deep freezing for 24hrs thin sections have been made with a band saw or
frozen parts are sectioned at 1cm slices.

Ÿ Section has to be cast in the form of sheet.

Ÿ The two glass sheets 4mm thick are separated by a rubber tubing of 6-8mm
diameter clips, hold the glass sheets together & make a leak proof chamber.

Ÿ The processed section is immersed in the chamber (resin + catalyst +

accelerator).

Ÿ After 24 hrs clips are removed & glass sheets are separated from the resin.

Ÿ Sheet edges are trimmed, polished & specimen is labelled.

Luminal Cast Plastination

Ÿ Useful to study the dimensions & architecture of different cavities of organs &
to study the tubular structures (arteries, veins, ductal branches & their
variation).
Principle:
Ÿ Filling up of the lumen with material & dissolving the surrounding tissue.

Ÿ Used for tracheo- branchial cast of lungs, cerebral ventricles, bony labyrinth,
vascular pattern of kidney, liver, lung, spleen, coronary vessels, etc.
Method:
Ÿ Cleaning of lumen under tap water
Ÿ Keeping the specimen in KOH solution for about 1-2 hrs
Ÿ Then again cleaning of the specimen under running tap water & drying.
Ÿ Filling of the lumen by a mixture containing resin, catalyst & hardener.
Ÿ After 1 day cast is obtained by removing the surrounding tissue.

59
 WHOLE BODY PLASTINATION

Steps of Plastination:

1. Fixation-
Ÿ Formaldehyde or other preserving solutions help prevent the
decomposition of the tissues.

Ÿ They may also confer a degree of rigidity.

Ÿ This can be beneficial in maintaining the shape or arrangement of a

specimen.

Ÿ A stomach might be inflated or a leg bent at the knee for example

2. Dehydration-
Ÿ After many necessary dissections must have taken place, the specimen is
then placed in a bath of acetone.

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Ÿ Under freezing conditions, the acetone draws out all the water from the
cells

3. Forced impregnation in a vacuum-

Ÿ The specimen is then placed in a bath of liquid polymer, such as silicone
rubber, polyester or epoxy resin.

Ÿ By creating a vacuum, the acetone is made to boil at a low temperature.

4. Hardening-
Ÿ As the acetone vaporizes and leaves the cells, it draws the liquid polymer
in behind it, leaving the cell filled with liquid plastic.

Ÿ The plastic must then be cured with gas, heat, or ultraviolet light, in order
to harden it

Why plastination is preferable & better museum technique???

Ÿ Provides very unique specimen at a very low-cost equivalent to the
plastination specimens of international quality.
Ÿ Has simple protocol.
Ÿ Best suited for:
Ÿ Teaching purposes
Ÿ Designing newer surgical procedures.
Ÿ Practice skills
Ÿ Research purposes.

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