Clot dissolution to optimize body preparation for the continuous flow perfused cadaver model

The Continuous Flow Perfused Cadaver Model (CFPCM) is employed to ensure the highest degree of realism for vascular surgeon trainees. To prepare the CFPCM, the blood is drained from the body, then a pre-fixation solution is injected to clean the vessels and to dissolve clots. The preparation of CFPCM is often suboptimal when clots remain in the vessels, hindering the smooth running of the surgical anatomy workshops. Our goal was to optimize the preparation of the cadaver by using an innovative pre-fixation solution to increase clot dissolution. METHODS. We used a convenience sample of 10 cadavers, evenly split in 2 groups according to the pre-fixation solution used (Solution 1: Proflow; Solution 2: PI3N1). We evaluated the efficacy of the pre-fixation solution across groups by comparing qualitative and quantitative variables of clots that remained in the bodies after their preparation. We also assessed the correlation between some of the clots variables and anatomical variables measured in our sample. RESULTS. The data did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the groups in any of the variables measured. However, a significant association was identified between the circumference of the thoracic aorta and the total clot weight in that segment (p = 0.038). The abdominal aorta and the left atrium exhibited the highest prevalence of total obstruction by clots, and the left atrium the highest clot weight. CONCLUSIONS. Different chemical pre-fixation solutions do not change the qualitative or quantitative characteristics of clots found in cadavers used in surgical workshops.