A new substitute for formalin: Application to embalming cadavers

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 N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NVP), a precursor of the water‐soluble macr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2018-01, Vol.31 (1), p.90-98
Main Authors: Haizuka, Yoshinori, Nagase, Miki, Takashino, Satoshi, Kobayashi, Yasushi, Fujikura, Yoshihisa, Matsumura, George
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdominal wall
anatomy
Arteries
Biomedical materials
Cadavers
Carotid arteries
Carotid artery
clinical skills
Connective tissues
Dermis
Elbow
Elbow (anatomy)
Femur
Fixatives
Formaldehyde
formalin
Gastrointestinal tract
Health hazards
Hip
joint range of motion
Knee
Ligaments
Liver
Lungs
Macromolecules
Medical devices
Medical equipment
Medical innovations
N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone
Nerves
Organs
Polyvinylpyrrolidone
pyrrolidone
Spine
Spine (cervical)
Surgical implants
Thorax
Tissues
Wrist
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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 N‐vinyl‐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. Anat. 31:90–98, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ISSN:0897-3806
1098-2353
DOI:10.1002/ca.23011