A quick-solidifying, coloured silicone mixture for injecting into brains for autopsy: technical report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Anatomy
• Forensic Pathology

Background:

• Cadaver brains are crucial for anatomical study, but obtaining properly preserved specimens is challenging.
• Forensic departments process numerous cadavers, offering a potential source of research specimens.
• Current limitations hinder the utilization of forensic cadavers for anatomical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel technique for injecting autopsy specimens with a quick-solidifying silicone mixture.
• To enhance the availability of neuroanatomical specimens for research and education.
• To present a method compatible with routine forensic autopsy procedures.

Main Methods:

• A self-curing silicone mixture was prepared and injected into autopsy specimens.
• The injection process was performed during routine autopsy procedures.
• Brains were subsequently removed from cadavers after a 1-hour solidification period.

Main Results:

• The silicone mixture rapidly solidified within 1 hour, aligning with autopsy timelines.
• Satisfactory filling of the arterial vasculature, including small branches and pial anastomoses, was achieved.
• The technique did not interfere with standard autopsy findings.

Conclusions:

• Injecting forensic autopsy specimens with quick-solidifying silicone provides a viable method for obtaining anatomical study material.
• This approach significantly increases the number of available specimens for neurosurgery laboratories and anatomical research.
• The technique offers a practical solution for specimen acquisition from cadavers with limited post-mortem availability.