Abstract
Objective This study was aimed to develop a method combining computed tomography (CT) and fluorescence
imaging, allowing identification of microvasculature in anatomical donors and facilitating
translational research and education.
Methods We investigated homogeneity and radiopacity of 30 different mixtures including radiopaque
substances povidone–iodine (Betadine), barium sulfate (BaSO4), and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) varying in suspension and dilution with
agar, latex, or gelatin. Three candidate mixtures were selected for testing the extent
of perfusion in renal vasculature to establish methodology. From these candidate mixtures,
two were selected for mixture with fluorescein and infusion into cadavers based on
their ability to perfuse renal vasculature. The extent to which these two candidate
mixtures combined with fluorescein were able to perfuse vasculature in a cadaver head
was used to determine which mixture was superior.
Results BaSO4 and bismuth subsalicylate–based mixtures demonstrated superior opacity in vials.
In terms of solidifying agents, gelatin-based mixtures demonstrated increased friability
and lower melting points compared with the other agents, so only latex and agar-based
mixtures were used moving forward past the vial stage. Combinations of BaSO4 and latex and BaSO4 and 3% agar were found to perfuse kidneys superiorly to the mixture containing bismuth
subsalicylate. Finally, in cadaver heads, the mixture containing BaSO4, agar, and fluorescein was found to perfuse the smallest vasculature.
Conclusion A final combination of BaSO4, 3% agar, and fluorescein proves to be a powerful and novel combination enabling
CT imaging, fluorescence imaging, and dissection of vasculature. This paves the way
for future translational research and education.
Keywords
angiography - fluorescence - dissection - cadaver - education
