Objective:

The study objective was to identify a novel donor cadaver preparation and administer an innovative vascular contrast identifying vasculature to peripheral nerves from cross-sectional imaging demonstrating micro anatomy.

Background:

Knowledge of clinical anatomy of the peripheral nerves (PN’s) of the limbs means a healthcare provider would understand and confidently know the common path and variations of PN’s and the vascular supply of the limbs. Understanding the integration between PN’s and their vasculature is critical, when dealing with trauma, surgery, anaesthesia techniques, and iatrogenic injuries. From a conceptual view, current contemprary anatomy texts/atlasses and computer
generated software are helpful, however the precise representation of the PN’s and their vascular supply is lacking. Cross-sectional imaging allows one to create 3D structural ratios from humans, donor cadavers and lab animals.

Design/Methods:

Literature search was conducted regarding novel cadaver body preparations.
GAX-specimens had innovative vascular contrast administered with minimal distortion providing quality detailed cross-sectional imaging. GAX-specimen preparations(n=6,12 sides) with innovative contrast had CT and MicroCT imaging performed.

Results:

Literature search revealed GAX-specimen prepared cadaver studies receiving BriteVu contrast for CT/microCT images. GAX-specimens with BriteVu (n=12/12 sides) revealed exceptional CT vascular networks and extraordinary microCT vascularity to peripheral nerves and their variations. This will enable engineers of software viewing on monitors and designing 3-D simulation, more accurately for training healthcare providers to have more first time, success and minimal morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

This study revealed GAX-specimen with BriteVu contrast revealed detailed
vascularity to nerves of the upper and lower limbs from CT and microCT imaging of donor cadaver tissue.