A Gelatine-Methylene Blue Method for Enhanced Visualization of Digital Artery Perforators in Cadaveric Studies

Precise visualization of digital artery perforators (DAPs) is essential for anatomical research and microsurgical planning. Traditional injection techniques often fail to highlight small calibre vessels and pose technical or environmental limitations. Gelatine is biocompatible and easy to use, and methylene blue provides strong contrast. However, no prior studies have combined both for vascular enhancement.

Twenty digits from five fresh frozen cadaveric upper limbs (mean age: 83 years, all female) were used. After saline irrigation, radial and ulnar arteries were perfused with 24 g/L gelatine and 1% w/v methylene blue via 18-G cannulas. Limbs were warmed to enhance dye flow, then chilled overnight. Digits were dissected to expose DAPs. Kruskal-Wallis tests confirmed consistent perfusion and high inter- and intra-observer reliability (p ≥ 0.81).

This gelatine-methylene blue technique provides a reliable, cost-effective method for clear and reproducible vascular visualization in cadaveric studies and surgical training.