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Updated: May 25, 2026
An In Vivo Duo-color Method for Imaging Vascular Dynamics Following Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: December 31, 2017
Two methods can simultaneously display both intramuscular nerves and blood vessels.
Da-Zhi Yu1, An-Tang Liu, Jian-Lin Zhang
1Shanghai and Qingdao, People's Republic of China; and Tokyo, Japan From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University; the Department of Hand Surgery, Hospital 401 of the People's Liberation Army; the Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University; and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University Hospital, Keio University.
Two improved methods precisely map intramuscular nerves and blood vessels. Method 1 uses angiography for large muscles, while Method 2 offers direct visualization and stereoscopic models for smaller muscles.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
- Histology
Background:
- Precise visualization of intramuscular nerves and blood vessels is crucial for clinical practice.
- Previous studies lacked the precision to accurately depict these anatomical relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and compare two improved methods for simultaneously visualizing intramuscular nerves and blood vessels.
- To provide precise anatomical mapping for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Method 1: Perfused rabbit muscles with barium sulfate silica gel, Sihler staining, optical photography, and molybdenum target radiography, followed by image overlay.
- Method 2: Perfused rabbit and child cadaver muscles with red silica gel, Sihler staining, and X-ray film viewer photography.
Main Results:
- Both methods yielded ideal outcomes for visualizing intramuscular neurovascular structures.
- Method 1 produced a distribution map via digital subtraction angiography.
- Method 2 provided direct, precise visualization with nerves in dark blue and vessels in red, enabling stereoscopic model creation.
Conclusions:
- Both novel methods effectively display intramuscular nerves and blood vessels simultaneously.
- Method 2 is recommended for small or flat muscles due to its convenience and direct visualization.
- Method 1 is suitable for larger muscles requiring detailed mapping.
