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SUCCESSFUL SOFT CURE EMBALMING OF A WHOLE BODY CADAVER AFTER THREE YEARS IN A CRYOGENIC STATE
Author(s) -
Heltzel Sara,
Sochor Mark,
Sikon Dana,
Sikon Richard
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.781.3
Subject(s) - embalming , cadaver , cadaveric spasm , medicine , soft tissue , anatomy , putrefaction , surgery , fixation (population genetics) , biology , ecology , population , environmental health
Step‐wise medical education has resulted in an increased demand for cadaveric tissue with extended retention times. Soft cure‐embalming, an alternative anatomical preservation technique, has been designed to meet the research and medical training needs of today's students. The soft cure‐embalming (SCE) technique accomplishes a realistic tissue feel without rapid biological breakdown, thus maximizing retention and educational use. The SCE technique proved successful for preserving and restoring cadaveric components (i.e., cephalus, upper and lower extremities) obtained from fresh frozen whole body cadavers. HYPOTHESIS Can the SCE technique be used to successfully preserve and restore an intact fresh frozen whole body cadaver that has been cryogenically suspended for 3+ years?METHODS A fresh tissue whole body cadaver received in January 2012 was maintained in a cryogenic state (0 – 10°F) for 3.25 years. In March 2015, the cadaver was thawed to room temperature and preserved using SCE fluid and standard embalming techniques (i.e., injection via the right common carotid artery). The cadaver was cured for ~4 weeks, after which time the stratum corneum epidermal layer was shed/removed. RESULTS The soft‐cure embalmed whole body cadaver had exceptional results for tissue penetration and soft cure‐fixation despite the prolonged time spent in a deep freeze. Ample tissue perfusion was noted upon external examination in both the distal upper and lower extremities and in the cephalus. Internal anatomical structures were also examined and proved to be remarkably preserved and revived by the SCE fluid. The cadaver was utilized for anatomical dissection and teaching of medical procedures. External and internal structures were deemed by course participants to have an extremely realistic tissue feel. The ability to “reanimate” a whole body cryogenically suspended for 3+ years via this process is unprecedented. DISCUSSION Soft cure‐embalming is extremely successful in preserving and restoring cadaveric tissue that has been previously frozen. The SCE technique significantly extends tissue retention time and educational utilization. The SCE tissue in this study was particularly well received by educators. Multiple educational sessions can be given utilizing same tissue, and it is possible to perform medical training in step‐wise fashion over several weeks utilizing the same cadaveric specimen. FUTURE WORK Varying cryogenic intervals preceding SCE technique implementation will be explored. Techniques for simulating blood flow and perfusion in soft‐cure embalmed tissues will be investigated.