Development of an Experimental Model for Studying the Nasosinusal and Skull Base Arterial and Venous Systems Using Iodinated Contrast and Latex in Cadavers.

Background: Cadaver dissection remains one of the most reliable and safest ways to study anatomy, whereas computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an essential technology for enabling students to become familiar with human anatomy and surgical planning. Thus, the convergence of both radiologic and anatomic information is important for surgical success, especially in regions of complex anatomy such as the nasosinusal and skull base regions. Here we propose an experimental model in formalinized cadaver heads consisting of intravascular injection of colored latex and iodinated contrast mixture, followed by CTA scans of the nasosinusal and skull base arterial and venous systems before dissection.

Methods: Six cadaver heads that had been preserved for >5 years in 10% formaldehyde were immersed for 72 hours in a solution containing a dimethyldiethanol mono/dialkyloyl ester quaternary ammonium salt. In 5 of these heads, a mixture composed of latex, tissue ink, and iodinated contrast (Ultravist 300) was injected into the vascular system. CTA scans were performed sequentially after the injection, followed by endonasal and macroscopic dissections.

Results: There was good radiologic and macroscopic vessel uptake in 4 specimens, allowing a detailed anatomic study.

Conclusions: An experimental model was made feasible by injecting iodinated contrast and colored latex into formalinized cadavers for CTA evaluation of the nasosinusal and skull base arterial and venous systems before performing dissections.