ET–17 will cover the necessity of properly preparing the vascular system, cavity embalming and discoloration.
It is necessary to prepare the vascular system prior to the injection of the formaldehyde preservative. An arterial fluid of less than 1% gels the protein material and creates secondary pseudo sludge within the vascular network. Once this occurs, complete distribution, saturation and preservation may be deficient.
Once the vascular system is compromised by formaldehyde action there is no way of correcting it except possibly by complete hypodermic treatment. Then the question may be how do we know when the preservation is compromised?
A minimum guideline for the average body after the vascular system has been prepared is as follows (initial dilution due to HCHO demand):
1 hour to 24 hours 1% Dilution
2 Days 2% Dilution
3 Days 3% Dilution
4 Days 4% Dilution
5 Days 5% Dilution
The use of quality fluids, time and an understanding of the principles of pre-analysis, pre-injection, pressure and controlled rate of flow is ones best insurance to quality professional workmanship. Using the best quality of fluids and sundries may cost about $75.00 per body when done properly.
Cavity Embalming – This is the simplest form of embalming. This is the keystone to Egyptian mummification and early embalming methodology. It is also a direct post arterial injection treatment that extracts material found in the Lumina of the Viscera. During arterial injection, the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries carry preservatives to the walls of the intestines which creates fixation. Materials inside these organs remain untouched and bring about autolytic breakdown if not aspirated and injected with a quality controlled formulated cavity fluid.
Failure to treat the viscera may lead to liquification, odor, gas, and purge. In the case of evisceration during an autopsy the same care and treatment is necessary prior to returning the organs to the body. (Strip and section the intestines prior to saturation with quality cavity fluid) (Viscera has the greatest HCHO demand)
Aspiration is accomplished through the use of a long hollow tube known as a trocar. The trocar is attached by a plastic or rubber tubing to an electric or hydro aspirator which creates a vacuum (40 to 50 psi).
Review the nine abdominal regions and the location of the contents within each of the regions:
Right Hypochondria Epigastric Left Hypochondria
Right Lumbar Umbilical Left Lumbar
Right Inguinal Hypogastric Left Inguinal
The textbook entry point of the trocar is two inches to the left and two inches to the superior of the umbilicus. In reality depending on the length of the trocar, place the point on the ear lobe and insert at the hub (handle) of the trocar. In practicality, insert the trocar at the point superior to where the diaphragm attaches to the sternum. Aspirate the thoracic cavity carefully, including the throat area. Remove the trocar and completely clean and disinfect. Reinsert inferior to the diaphragm and carefully aspirate the abdominal cavity.
Follow the same procedure when injecting the cavity fluid. The diaphragm becomes a natural barrier against cross contamination.
The average adult body contains 15 to 25 pounds of viscera. The rule of thumb is to use two 16 ounce bottles into the cavities. (16 ounces superior and 16 ounces inferior)
Viscera vs. Fluid:
Cavity Ounces Tissue Grams Tissue Pounds
2 488 6.2
4 976 12.5
6 1464 18.8
8 1952 25.0
Analytical Approach to the Embalming Process
The ability to observe specific conditions that relate to antemortem and postmortem conditions develops with experience. The most prominent condition is discoloration. Discolorations are classified according to their cause.
Intravascular blood discolorations may be antemortem or postmortem. These blood discolorations may be removed by arterial injection and venous drainage. Extravascular discolorations may be lightened but not always removable due to their interaction with preservative chemicals.
During life a hypostatic condition may develop associated with poor or stagnant circulation and develops in the dependent parts of the body or an organ. This condition is referred to as hypostasis. In severe cases the area may take on a bluish-black color or may be internal which is referred to as capillary congestion.
Carbon monoxide poisoning creates a cherry red complexion within the tissue. If an individual is given methylene blue prior to death it can react with the formaldehyde creating a blue green discoloration. Neither discoloration can be removed by arterial injection. Drug and Stain remover should be used to clear the discoloration.
Extravascular discolorations are common antemortem conditions. Ecchymosis and hematomas are associated with trauma but may also be related to a series of organic diseases. Petechia are associated with both organic and microbial diseases.
Flushing the vascular system with a special pre-injection solution will prepare the vascular system for maximum preservation chemicals without setting the discolorations in the tissue. Controlled drainage is essential for building intravascular pressure. This may be accomplished by using a drain tube.
Once intravascular pressure is achieved and drainage is established, the body may be manually massaged using a low suds disinfectant soap to clear postmortem discolorations. Hydromassage of portions of the face may be used.
Some discolorations may be reduced by injection or compresses using a bleaching agent. In some cases cosmetic masking may be necessary.
Many discolorations are associated with skin lesions that are due to traumatic or pathological changes in the structure of the integumentum. Unbroken skin discolorations or scaling can be associated with exanthematous diseases.
In an unnatural death, storage practices can create various changes in appearance and color. These include:
• Drowning • Poisons • Mutilation
• Burns • Hanging • Exsanguination
• Refrigeration • Electrocution
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The following predisposing vascular conditions can lead to various discolorations:
• Arteriosclerosis • Atheroma • Varices
• Clots • Emboli • Phlebitis
• Thrombosis • Hemorrhage • Endocarditis
• Tuberculosis • Fibrile diseases • Tumors
• Freezing • Gangrene • Gunshot
• Mutilation • Severances • Corrosive poisons
• Asphyxiation • Pneumonia • Burns
• Syphilis • Leukemia • Hanging
• Shock • Decomposition
Next month’s article, ET–18 will cover Decomposition.