Thiel embalming fluid--a new way to revive formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens

Clin Anat. 2014 Sep;27(6):853-5. doi: 10.1002/ca.22392. Epub 2014 Mar 17.

Abstract

By soft fixing cadavers using the Thiel embalming method, our cadavers now exhibit a greater degree of flexibility and color retention compared to that of traditional formalin-fixed cadavers. The aim of this experiment was to discover whether Thiel embalming fluid could be used to revive and soften the muscles of formalin-fixed prosected specimens. Earlier this year, two severely dehydrated formalin-fixed forearm and hand specimens were fully submerged in a tank containing Thiel embalming fluid. After a period of six months the specimens were removed from the tank and noticeable changes were observed in flexibility, quality of the tissue, and color of the specimens.

Keywords: Thiel; anatomy; color; dehydrated; flexibility; musculoskeletal; retention; specimens.

MeSH terms

  • Cadaver*
  • Embalming
  • Formaldehyde
  • Humans
  • Hypertonic Solutions*
  • Male

Substances

  • Hypertonic Solutions
  • Formaldehyde