[RoosE]

in reply to: Fact or Fiction? #1262

When we still did formalin embalming we used Infutrace to inject into cavities to neutralise free formaldehyde. Don’t know what active chemical in that is.

[RoosE]

in reply to: Loan of cadaver #1233

Hi Dave
Which part of the country?
Roos

[RoosE]

in reply to: Type of Computers used. #1140

BTW, we currently have a pilot with a couple of iPads but iOS is not in your list!

[RoosE]

in reply to: Type of Computers used. #1138

We are hoping to install Dell OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One desktop PCs this summer.

[RoosE]

in reply to: Glenelyn versus Thiel soft embalming #1111

I suppose the problem with this question is that few people have in-depth experience with both techniques; I can really only speak for Thiel as my knowledge of Genelyn comes from what I have heard at meetings.

One comparison study is:

Clin Anat. 2011 Mar;24(2):155-61. doi: 10.1002/ca.21118. Epub 2011 Jan 12.
A comparison of embalming fluids for use in surgical workshops.
Jaung R, Cook P, Blyth P.

I don’t know if the version of Genelyn used there is the same as what is currently sold; similarly the Thiel version seems a bit different from what we use – but it gives some idea of the differences.

Thiel is soft when it comes to cartilage, so is less useful for rhinoplasty. We found the cervix too soft in the one cadaver a procedure was tried on, but age can play a factor there too (post-menopasual changes to the uterus and cervix). Brain in Thiel looks fine on MRI but cannot be handled. In general, feedback from surgeons and other is very positive.

But pros and cons covers it all, not just the condition of the cadaver, and everybody has different criteria. I found the talk from Aberdeen at the recent IAS meeting very illustrative: they tested how a prosection coped with being exposed for a couple of hours because that is how they use cadavers.

Thiel has more of a learning curve and requires more investment in equipment. Thiel is “open-source” while Genelyn is a proprietary product. Thiel chemicals are a bit more expensive. Thiel can be messy.

Maybe the best thing to do is to visit both Dundee and Glasgow, look at the cadavers yourself, and think beforehand about what the criteria are that matter to you, and then ask lots of questions.

[RoosE]

in reply to: Plastination request #1089

You’re right, I should have added: Her Majesty’s Inspector of Anatomy in Scotland has approved of the project. During our meeting with Sarah we did raise some additional concerns they will need to address with him.
The material they will be using is old enough to fall outside the legal limitations I think – they are old potted specimens with no known donor details.

[RoosE]

in reply to: Standing order mandate #1071

Do I have to use the form or can I just set up a standing order via my bank’s internet banking?

[RoosE]

in reply to: Hoists for lifting large prosections #1062

We use a mobile hydraulic patient hoist to move whole Thiel bodies around and I think that would work for large specimens as well; you may have to get a sling or different straps. Compared to the Dodge hoist (or similar mortuary hoists) the differences are:

• ours is more expensive[/*]
• there is no rigid bar but instead a v-shaped bar with attachments for straps at either end. The full width bar would be more stable.
  [/*]
• we did design our own straps as patient straps were not suitable – the mortuary hoists have a better system.[/*]
• Ours does not stand up to the corrosive Thiel environment (all the bolts have rusted)[/*]
• Ours has a much larger lifting range; as we have low and high shelves to put bodies on this was the deciding factor. If you just need to lift specimens between tables or trolleys I would go for the mortuary hoist[/*]

The attached image shows us in action.

PS the mortuary hoists look like this (I think the Dodge one is very similar)
http://www.funeral-supplies.co.uk/body-hoist-heavy-duty.html

Roos
CAHID, Dundee

Attached files

[RoosE]

in reply to: Channel 4 – Mummification #1028

I was gritting my teeth for 70% of the time and found the remaining 30% really interesting.
I wish they had got some more expert commentary from someone with an understanding of embalming or even of food preservation. Are pathologists and forensic anthros specialising in decay the best choice?
The surprise about the salt water bath! It has similarities with Thiel embalming, there are links with curing ham. From now on I will say that I submerge my Thiel cadavers because of my deep emotional connection to the sea, seeing that I grew up near the North Sea coast :P
The bleaching of the skin they dexcribed is what we see in Thiel embalming too -perhaps we can reduce it with beeswax and sesame seed oil :)

[RoosE]

in reply to: Formaldehyde Treatment #1008

We use Infutrace to neutralise any free formaldehyde in the abdomen, you could perhaps spray/infuse/submerge the specimen befoer sending them?

[RoosE]

in reply to: Equipment Recommendations Required #990

We have a hydraulic patient hoist, if that is what you mean? We use it to lift the Thiel soft-fix cadavers out of the tanks, using some custom made straps.

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