Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
9-5-2018 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Since its invention by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens, the process of forced-impregnation plastination of organic specimens has become the standard for the preservation of biological tissue specimens. This practice serves as the most practical method to preserve these specimens for study and is utilized at PCOM regularly for this purpose. During the steps of plastination, aqueous and lipid tissues are replaced by a curable polymer to produce plastinates that do not decompose, can be handled without gloves, and retain most characteristics of the original specimens. For decades, PCOM used this method to prepare a permanent teaching collection in support of medical education. In the last five years, the lab has been reactivated and prepares specimens for allied health professional education, enrichment of the Doctor of Osteopathy curriculum, and outreach at regional institutions (e.g., The Franklin Institute, The Nebinger School, etc.).
Objectives: The purpose of this poster is to inform the PCOM community of current plastination practices and suggest future uses.
Methods: To prepare specimens for plastination, they must be preserved in fixative. We currently dissect and stage all tissues after the fixative process. Dissections are prepared by work-study students at PCOM who have completed the relevant anatomy course (interested students please contact Dr. Claeson). After fixation, tissues are dehydrated in progressively more concentrated washes of cold-temperature acetone (-20ºC) until concentration is between 98-100%. After dehydration, they are placed into a silicone polymer bath and brought to room temperature. The room temperature bath technique is the primary deviation from von Hagen (1977). Once at room temperature in the bath, vacuum pressure is used to replace the acetone that fills each cell with silicone. A hardening agent is then administered to finish the process.
Results & Conclusions: Current initiatives have included building a collection of heart specimens to support a cardiac workshop which pairs anatomy and physiology. Most recently, a brain anatomy collection is being built. Brain specimens include axial cross sections, whole and half brains, and pathological specimens. These specimens are currently used at many outreach events and will be incorporated into a featured anatomy series as part of the medical school curriculum. Future research initiatives may also begin via current practices.
Embargo Period
5-30-2018
Plastination Procedure @ PCOM: Current Practice and Future Uses
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction: Since its invention by German anatomist Gunther von Hagens, the process of forced-impregnation plastination of organic specimens has become the standard for the preservation of biological tissue specimens. This practice serves as the most practical method to preserve these specimens for study and is utilized at PCOM regularly for this purpose. During the steps of plastination, aqueous and lipid tissues are replaced by a curable polymer to produce plastinates that do not decompose, can be handled without gloves, and retain most characteristics of the original specimens. For decades, PCOM used this method to prepare a permanent teaching collection in support of medical education. In the last five years, the lab has been reactivated and prepares specimens for allied health professional education, enrichment of the Doctor of Osteopathy curriculum, and outreach at regional institutions (e.g., The Franklin Institute, The Nebinger School, etc.).
Objectives: The purpose of this poster is to inform the PCOM community of current plastination practices and suggest future uses.
Methods: To prepare specimens for plastination, they must be preserved in fixative. We currently dissect and stage all tissues after the fixative process. Dissections are prepared by work-study students at PCOM who have completed the relevant anatomy course (interested students please contact Dr. Claeson). After fixation, tissues are dehydrated in progressively more concentrated washes of cold-temperature acetone (-20ºC) until concentration is between 98-100%. After dehydration, they are placed into a silicone polymer bath and brought to room temperature. The room temperature bath technique is the primary deviation from von Hagen (1977). Once at room temperature in the bath, vacuum pressure is used to replace the acetone that fills each cell with silicone. A hardening agent is then administered to finish the process.
Results & Conclusions: Current initiatives have included building a collection of heart specimens to support a cardiac workshop which pairs anatomy and physiology. Most recently, a brain anatomy collection is being built. Brain specimens include axial cross sections, whole and half brains, and pathological specimens. These specimens are currently used at many outreach events and will be incorporated into a featured anatomy series as part of the medical school curriculum. Future research initiatives may also begin via current practices.