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Retrograde dye perfusion of the proximal aorta - A postmortem technical study
Jan M Federspiel1, Constantin Lux2, Katrin Burkhard2
1Institute for Legal Medicine, Saarland University, Campus Homburg, Kirrberger Straße, Building 49.1, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Heliyon
|January 13, 2023
Summary
A new postmortem perfusion method effectively visualizes aortic valve function and vasa vasorum in cases of sudden cardiac death. This technique aids research into great artery and coronary diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Forensic Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death can result from various cardiovascular conditions, including aortic regurgitation.
- Aortic regurgitation may stem from geometric alterations in the proximal aorta.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for investigating fatal cardiac events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a novel postmortem perfusion technique.
- To simulate diastolic conditions for analyzing aortic valve competency.
- To elucidate pathological alterations in coronary arteries and vasa vasorum.
Main Methods:
- A retrograde perfusion of the ascending aorta with methylene blue was performed postmortem.
- The procedure involved cannulation, aortic arch clamping, and methylene blue infusion.
- Optical clearing was applied to superficial tissues for enhanced visualization.
Main Results:
- Aortic valve competency and vasa vasorum were successfully visualized in all three cases.
- Postmortem thrombus formation hindered visualization of coronary perfusion.
- Optical clearing did not yield additional informative insights.
Conclusions:
- The described perfusion method is a time- and cost-efficient tool for visualizing aortic valve competency and vasa vasorum.
- This technique holds potential for basic research on diseases affecting great arteries and coronary vessels.
- Alternative methods are necessary for time-efficient functional analysis of coronary arteries.
