Novel Cadaver Injection Method Using Latex and Magnetic Fluid

Vascular injection into extracted tissue may be associated with leakage due to excessive local injection pressure. Historically, this complication has been impossible to resolve because the injection pressure has been the only available force with which to send the agent to the peripheral vasculature. We have developed a new vascular injection method that utilizes a material affected by magnetic force and is therefore not solely dependent upon the injection pressure. We mixed the same weights of latex and magnetic fluid and injected the solution into the arterial stump of an extracted tissue specimen. Next, we used a permanent magnet to attract the agent into the peripheral vasculature. We repeated the injection and magnetic application until no further fluid could be injected. We used this method in 20 formalin-fixed tissue specimens. The vessels were clearly observable through to the peripheral areas, and leakage from the injected artery was minimal. This new agent has several beneficial characteristics: it is X-ray impermeable, is durable in the face of chemical insult, and allows for easy visual observation. The injected tissue can be studied for X-ray film examination, tissue clarification, and gross anatomical dissection. Additionally, this method can be applied to both fresh and formalin-fixed tissue. We consider that this method has the potential to expand the applications of injection studies.