Human Thiel-Embalmed Cadaveric Aortic Model with Perfusion for Endovascular Intervention Training and Medical Device Evaluation

Helen Mcleod, Ben F. Cox, James Robertson, Robyn Duncan, Shona Matthew, Raj Bhat, Avril Barclay, J. Anwar, Tracey Wilkinson, Andreas Melzer, J. Graeme Houston (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
302 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate human Thiel-embalmed cadavers with the addition of extracorporeal driven ante-grade pulsatile flow in the aorta as a model for simulation training in interventional techniques and endovascular device testing.

Materials and Methods: Three human cadavers embalmed according to the method of Thiel were selected. Extracorporeal pulsatile ante-grade flow of 2.5 L per min was delivered directly into the aorta of the cadavers via a surgically placed connection. During perfusion, aortic pressure and temperature were recorded and optimized for physiologically similar parameters. Pre- and post-procedure CT imaging was conducted to plan and follow up thoracic and abdominal endovascular aortic repair as it would be in a clinical scenario. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular abdominal repair (EVAR) procedures were conducted in simulation of a clinical case, under fluoroscopic guidance with a multidisciplinary team present.

Results: The Thiel cadaveric aortic perfusion model provided pulsatile ante-grade flow, with pressure and temperature, sufficient to conduct a realistic simulation of TEVAR and EVAR procedures. Fluoroscopic imaging provided guidance during the intervention. Pre- and post-procedure CT imaging facilitated planning and follow-up evaluation of the procedure.

Conclusion: The human Thiel-embalmed cadavers with the addition of extracorporeal flow within the aorta offer an anatomically appropriate, physiologically similar robust model to simulate aortic endovascular procedures, with potential applications in interventional radiology training and medical device testing as a pre-clinical model.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1454-1460
Number of pages7
JournalCardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
Volume40
Issue number9
Early online date27 Apr 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2017

Keywords

  • Cadaveric perfusion
  • Endovascular training
  • Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR)

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