[Volume controlled fixation of the lung by formalin vapor (author's transl)]

A new method of lung fixation by formalin vapor is presented. A simple Engstrøm type respirator modified for postmortem formalin insufflation of the lung was developed. Rapid fixation requires use of hot formalin vapor which would destroy available equipment. The main advantage compared to other described methods beside the constant volume is sufficient stirring of formalin and formalin vapor. In order to prevent condensation of water within the lung parenchyma any cooling of the vapor should be avoided. If the lungs are fixed by this method the tissue will stiffen in a position between in- and exspiration. Slices of 1 cm are cut. Radiographs in soft tissue technique guarantee unusual high resolution. Positive findings are identified easily and furthermore studied by microscopy: the direct correlation between X-ray finding and microscopy becomes possible.