A comparison of embalming fluids on the structures and properties of tissue in human cadavers

• DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12412
• Publication Date: 2018-11-19T01:29:50Z
• Authors: Joy Y. Balta; Maria Twomey; Fiachra Moloney; Orla Duggan; Kevin P. Murphy; Owen J. O’Connor; Michael Cronin; John F. Cryan; Michael M. Maher; Siobhain M. O’Mahony
• Keywords: Embalming; Cadaveric spasm; Human physiology

Abstract Cadaveric material has long been used to teach anatomy and more recently train students in clinical skills. The aim of this study was develop a systematic approach compare the impact four embalming solutions on tissues human cadavers. To end, formalin‐based solution, Thiel, Genelyn Imperial College London soft‐preservation (ICL‐SP) solution were compared. effect these chemicals properties tissue assessed by measuring range motion (ROM) joints dimensions different structures computed tomography (CT) images before after embalming. mean changes ratio (angle ROM) differed statistically between methods (Welch Statistic 3,1.672 = 67.213, p 0.026). Thiel embalmed cadavers showed an increase while ICL‐SP remained relatively same. formalin registered notable decrease motion. Furthermore, investigation into internal organs vessels revealed that technique leads dimension cardiovascular system alone maintain shape investigated. Our findings suggest cadavers’ using may faithfully mimic unembalmed is necessary retain size investigated study. Despite this, with larger numbers required confirm findings.