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Case Analysis: Normal, Autopsy, Child, 1-2 yrs

Child 1-2 years

Concentration 1.75% (do not mix solution in embalming tank)

Dilution – approx. 1 oz. arterial fluid per 9 oz. water (Using 18 index) Use Dilution Calculator for all other index’s 

Directions – 

  1. Mix 1 oz. of 18-index arterial fluid with every 9 oz. water, add an ounce of humectant fluid.
  2. Draw solution into a 20 cc syringe (or larger).  Connect a luer-lock infant rubber catheter to the syringe (remove air from syringe and catheter).  Slight pressure on the syringe plunger should be tested to judge the rate of flow.
  3. If a cannula is to be used along with an embalming machine, be certain the machine is well calibrated and works properly.  Poorly kept machines have gauges that will bounce
  4. Open the autopsy incision and remove detached viscera and treat in a separate container or bag with at least 16 oz. of Cavity fluid.  Dissect all viscera with surgical scissors to allow cavity fluid to penetrate more quickly.
  5. Inject Common Illiac arteries first to acclimate to the syringe and catheter.  Don’t use a standard clamp to hold catheter in place.  A ligature tie or digital pressure will suffice.  
  6. Inject Axillary arteries next.  The hands should be in a relaxed position and not folded as an adult’s hands.
  7. Next, remove the calvarium cap and then inject the left Common Carotid arterie.  Leave the artery of the Circle of Willis open until the blood-filled artery clears and formaldehyde is evident.  Clamp the Circle of Willis artery and continue injecting until the face is adequately embalmed.   Clamp any incised arteries in the neck area that are leaking arterial solution. Repeat on the right side.
  8. After arterial embalming, check entire body for areas that received poor or no circulation.  These areas should be hypodermically injected and possibly treated with external packs of preservative cream. NOTE: the buttocks should be hypodermically treated to restore and maintain proper form.
  9. Feature setting should be at a minimum.  Do not use needle injector, mouth formers or ligature to close the mouth.  Mouth closure (if necessary) can be easily performed with Aron Alpha or other instant adhesive.  Do not close mouth until after embalming.  It may be necessary to get back inside the mouth for cleaning or aspiration after the embalming process. 
  10. With scalpel blade dissect intercostals, separating each rib.  This exposes all untreated muscle and tissue.  
  11. Treat cavity with a cauterant chemical that contains phenol.  This will better preserve the tissue.
  12. Coat the cavity with a preservative powder / Hardening Compound
  13. Remove viscera from container and replace viscera inside cavities.  The organs may be placed in properly.  i.e. Lungs where lungs go, heart where heart goes, etc.  
  14. Powder each organ as its individually placed back into its proper cavity.
  15. Replace throat if necessary with cotton.  
  16. Protect the throat with a plastic lining.  This will serve as a barrier against fluids and odors.
  17. Replace breast plate
  18. Suture incision – “Y” incision; gather the 3 junction-points together at the center of the “Y” and continue suturing towards pubic bone. Next with one piece of ligature, begin suturing from the right shoulder passing the junction point and continuing up to the left shoulder.  “I” incision; being at the superior most portion of the incision and suture inferiorly.
  19. Treat inside of scalp with phenol or formaldehyde gel
  20. Glue calvarium in place with instant adhesive such as Aron Apha.
  21. Scalp may need to be glued into place if the skin is too thin.
  22. Bathe and clean the infant with baby soap and baby powder to help disguise chemical odors and restore the familiar “baby” smell.
  23. Glue incisions and place cotton over the glued incisions of the torso.
  24. Remove infant from the table and rest the body into a swaddling or receiving blanket.  The infant should then be placed upon a soft pillow or inside a cradle.  Do not leave any part of the infant resting on a hard surface such as a table or counter-top.