High-Fidelity Perforator Visualization for Cadaver Dissection in Surgical Training

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Surgical Education
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cadaveric dissection has been crucial for anatomical knowledge and surgical technique advancement for centuries.
• Despite various methods, cadaver dissection remains the optimal approach for surgical training.
• Improving educational and research quality via cadaver dissection necessitates enhanced visualization techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a unique, cost-effective method for perforator-preserving cadaver injection.
• To achieve high-fidelity perforator visualization for anatomical dissection studies.
• To enhance the quality of surgical education and research through improved cadaveric methods.

Main Methods:

• Developed a perforator-preserving cadaver injection technique using a specific latex dye mixture (liquid latex, formalin, acrylic paint 1:2:1).
• Sectioned ten full-body cadavers and focused on dissecting multiple arteries and veins per section for comprehensive vascular territory capture.
• Employed atraumatic preparation, luminal space recreation via insufflation, and careful dye injection with adequate curing, assessing injection adequacy through various endpoints.

Main Results:

• The technique successfully visualized small osseous perforators, such as those of the medial femoral condyle flap, and subconjunctival plexuses.
• Demonstrated high-fidelity perforator visualization, crucial for detailed dissection studies.
• The method proved to be low-cost and highly effective in enhancing anatomical detail.

Conclusions:

• The developed perforator-preserving cadaver injection technique significantly improves visualization quality for dissection studies.
• This method offers a cost-effective and efficacious solution for enhancing surgical training and anatomical research.
• The technique's emphasis on atraumatic preparation and precise injection ensures detailed and accurate anatomical representation.