A new substitute for formalin: Application to embalming cadavers

Abstract

The development of formalin-free fixatives is an urgent issue in gross anatomy because of the health hazard and the tissue-hardening actions of formalin. We recently identified the fixative, antimicrobial, and preservative effects of Nvinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), a precursor of the water-soluble macromolecular polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone, in animal experiments. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether NVP solution can be used as an alternative to formalin in human cadaveric dissection. Twelve donated cadavers were infused with NVP via the femoral and common carotid arteries using a peristaltic pump. Experienced teaching staff members in our department dissected the cadavers and examined their macroanatomical properties. The NVP-embalmed corpses showed no sign of decomposition or fungal growth. The bodies remained soft and flexible. Notably, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, phalangeal, hip, knee, cervical spine, and temporomandibular joints were highly mobile, almost equivalent to those of living individuals. The range of motion of most joints was greater in the NVP-fixed than formalin-fixed cadavers. Under the dermis, the subcutaneous fat was markedly reduced and the connective tissues were transparent, so the ligaments, cutaneous nerves, and veins were easily discernible. The abdominal wall and the visceral organs remained pliable and elastic, resembling those of fresh cadavers. The lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract were moveable in the thoracic and abdominal cavities and were readily isolated. NVP can be used successfully as a fixative and preservative solution for human cadavers; furthermore, NVP-embalmed bodies could be valuable for learning clinical skills and for training, and for developing innovative medical devices. Clin.

Breathing Life into the Cadaver: Introducing Air Dissection As a New Teaching and Dissecting Method for the Venous System

“…Difficulty of dissecting cadaveric veins is variable, depending on the preservation methods, for example, embalmed cadavers (Haizuka et al, ), fresh‐frozen cadavers (Cotofana et al, ), and latex‐injected cadavers (Fang et al, ). The veins of embalmed cadavers, especially formalin‐fixed cadavers, are fragile and can be more difficult to dissect without damage.…”

Toward safer thanatopraxy cares: formaldehyde‐releasers use

“…), fluorine (Blake & Falder, ) or iodine derivatives such as polyvinylpyrrolidine‐iode (Dermot & Barrow, ) formulated in weak amounts (0.05–2%) with usual embalming fluids additives, or the use of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone in dilution (from 4 to 21.5% of body weight; Haizuka et al. ). Other mixtures have also shown interesting properties to replace FA and phenol, such as ethanol–glycerine–thymol mixture (Hammer et al.…”

Usefulness of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone Embalming for Endoscopic Transnasal Skull Base Approach in Cadaver Dissection

“…When the infusion was complete, the arteries were ligated and the body was immersed in 5 L of 5% “Preserve” solution in a sealed plastic bag and then stored at 4°C. 10) Above-mentioned procedures are protected by several patents (patent No. 4374435, Tissue fixation method with hydrophilic macromolecule; patent No.…”

“…Several methods by which the body remains pliable and flexible have been devised such as the fresh-frozen method, 7) the use of Thiel solution, 8) and saturated saline. 9) Our colleagues (M.N., G.M., and others) recently invented and reported the usefulness of a novel fixation method using N -vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), 10) which is an organic compound with a five-membered lactam ring and a vinyl group. Hereby the authors report the usefulness of NVP embalming for endoscopic transnasal skull base approach in cadaver dissection.…”