Thiel Plastination

: Improving the Aesthetics and Flexibility of Traditional Plastinated Specimens

Abstract

The aim of this project was to modify existing plastination techniques and investigate new plastination techniques that could leave anatomical specimens more flexible and aesthetically pleasing, utilising Thiel embalmed specimens.

The Thiel method of embalming developed and published by Walter Thiel (Thiel, 1992) has overcome many issues faced by traditional embalming. The flexibility and lifelike qualities possessed by cadavers which have been Thiel embalmed have allowed for innovative research and continuous professional development to be carried out in medical professions such as surgery. However, there are no current publications outlining the methods used to plastinate Thiel embalmed prosections that are subsequently used for teaching undergraduate and postgraduate anatomy.

This project encompassed an investigation of alternative plastination materials and methodologies as well as an investigation into the ideal materials and methods which should be adopted to highlight the vasculature of Thiel embalmed cadavers. The results from these investigations are reported and discussed both qualitatively and quantitatively throughout this thesis. Qualitative results provided from the authors perspective as well as surveys undertaken by staff who teach gross anatomy and undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking Thiel cadaveric dissection. Quantitative analysis is provided on the flexibility of Thiel embalmed specimens which have been plastinated using alternative materials as well as colour changes observed throughout the plastination process. Ultimately this project provides recommendations on the optimum way to plastinate Thiel embalmed specimens with the aim of retaining flexibility and life-like colour.

This project offers the benefits of producing plastinated specimens of Thiel embalmed cadavers which will last for long time periods and allow students to focus on certain aspects of the human body as opposed to full body dissection alone. Prosections and plastinates are used for examinations and training courses. They have proved invaluable at other institutions, often replacing full body dissection (Rizzolo and Stewart, 2006, Patel and Moxham, 2008, Eisma et al., 2013).

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Dundee
Sponsors	Greenhouse Studentship
Supervisor	Clare Lamb (Supervisor) & Jan Bernd Vorstius (Supervisor)