Brain Vasculature Color-Labeling Using the Triple-Injection Method in Cadaveric Heads: A Technical Note for Improved...

Area of Science:

• Anatomical studies
• Medical education techniques
• Vascular research

Background:

• Current silicone-based and latex-based coloring techniques for cadaveric neurovascular anatomy have limitations due to solution viscosity.
• Effective visualization of intricate vascular structures is crucial for anatomical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel "triple-injection method" for coloring cadaveric cranial vasculature.
• To assess the penetration and distribution of colored solutions within the vasculature using qualitative and semiquantitative methods.

Main Methods:

• Embalmed cadaveric heads underwent catheter preparation, vessel cannulation, and water irrigation.
• A sequential injection of food coloring, gelatin, and silicone solutions into arteries (red) and veins (blue) was performed.
• Qualitative and semiquantitative analyses compared the triple-injection method with a silicone-based control method.

Main Results:

• The triple-injection method demonstrated superior color intensity and more distal labeling in both intracranial and extracranial vasculature compared to the silicone-based method.
• Microscopic evaluation revealed color-filling of significantly smaller vessels (119 μm) with the triple-injection method versus the control (773 μm).

Conclusions:

• The novel triple-injection method provides enhanced visualization of small-caliber vessels in cadaveric cranial vasculature.
• This technique offers superior distal penetration, improving the educational value for neurovascular anatomy studies.