ISSN:
0003-276X
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
A technique for obtaining accurate casts of the bronchial tree and alveolar region is presented and several of the uncertainties involved in bronchial tree casting are discussed. Tompsett's basic casting technique is modified to use silicone rubber; supportive trays and a shape-preserving gelatine injection are eliminated by suspending the lungs in a water bath. Fresh or frozen lungs may be used and prior fixation is not necessary. No elaborate apparatus, beyond usual laboratory items, is required. The slow, low pressure injection of rubber into the bronchial tree minimizes overdistension due to high translumenal pressures. The resulting cast is flexible and durable. Linear shrinkage is minimal with resulting volumetric errors of less than 2%. If desired, one may simultaneously inject the pulmonary arterial and venous systems with colored rubber, yielding a cast of greater educational utility.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ar.1091760304