Rachel J. Toomey PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Erwin Immel, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

John Graeme Houston MD, Abstract Co-Author: Director, Tayside Flow Technologies Ltd Shareholder, Tayside Flow Technologies Ltd

Roos Eisma PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andreas Melzer MD, DDS, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, IBSmm Engineering, spol. s r.o. Shareholder, VueKlar Cardiovascular Ltd Research grant, VueKlar Cardiovascular Ltd

The Thiel soft embalming method has shown promise as a model for training and research in laparoscopic surgery, anaesthesia and other areas. Respiratory motion has been established and flow simulated in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of the model for interventional vascular procedures using Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA).

A range of vascular interventions have been carried out across four female and one male cadavers (mean age at death 87 years, range 84-92; weight approx 55-80kg). The femoral artery and vein were accessed via surgical dissection. Specially adapted plastic connectors were sometimes inserted to secure access over a longer time. In one cadaver, access was also made directly into the aorta via an abdominal incision. Introducers (12-16F, Cook Medical), guidewires (0.035”, Terumo, Tokyo) and catheters (5-7F pigtail/sidewinder/judkins/headhunter) were used to catheterize various vascular segments under fluoroscopic guidance (GE mobile C-arm OCR 9900) and DSA performed, typically using a mix of 50% of 300mgI/mL iodinated contrast agent (Ultravist 300; Bayer, Berlin) and 50% Thiel moistening solution. 16F introducers inserted into the ventricles allowed flow through the heart to/from the aorta and vena cava to be produced and imaged. An explanted liver was also perfused and imaged using DSA.

DSA was successfully used to image the SFA, the renal, splenic, right coronary, common and internal carotid and anterior cerebral arteries, hepatic and renal veins, aorta, vena cava, and left and right heart. The explanted liver showed excellent visualization of portal and hepatic vessels and slow washout with perfusion. Thiel embalmed vasculature appears to be well preserved in most areas of the cadavers, although the condition of individuals varies and may impact results. Further work is ongoing.

The vascular tree and organs of Thiel-embalmed cadavers appear to be generally well preserved and a wide range of vascular segments may be accessed and imaged using conventional materials. Therefore, this cadaver model is a promising model for testing of new devices and techniques in interventional radiology.

Thiel-embalmed cadavers allow access to many vessels and show promise as an excellent pre-clinical simulation of living anatomy for testing interventional devices and techniques in radiology.

Toomey, R, Immel, E, Houston, J, Eisma, R, Melzer, A, Vascular Assessment of a Cadaver Model for Research, Training, and Device Development in Interventional Radiology.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11004824.html