A Novel Portable, Economical Pump to Inject Embalming Fluid to Preserve Cadavers

Abstract

BACKGROUND Embalming is the process of treating a dead human / animal body with a chemical to protect the body from microbial spoilage and to renovate the physical appearance. Usually, it involves using formalin-based solutions. Although there are many embalming devices, most of them are heavy to lift, expensive and electrically operated. These types of electrically operated cadaveric injectors are widely used for embalming as it provides complete fixation (up to the distal parts of the limbs), and helps to save time. This study focuses on comparing a cost-effective, portable, ecofriendly embalming equipment which can run without electrical power with conventional technique. METHODS The comparative study of trials in checking the efficiency of the device were carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Government Theni Medical College, Theni. About 60 cadavers were received. Thirty (30) of them had been embalmed using this pump, the remaining half (30) were preserved by conventional method of embalming (i.e., electrical cadaveric injector). Embalming kit includes scalpel blade, surgical gloves, toothed- and blunt-forceps, scissors and modified fertilizer spraying pump, cannula, and pressure gauge. Arterial embalming was performed through femoral artery (femoral triangle). RESULTS We developed a cost-effective, portable, eco-friendly embalming equipment which does not require power and tested its efficiency in preserving about 30 cadavers. We observed that the novel method was 96 % efficient. CONCLUSIONS The pump is highly effective in preserving the body and anyone with minimal training could use it. KEY WORDS Embalming, Pump, Formalin, Fixative, Cadaver Preservation, Single Point Injection Technique, Femoral Artery