JISP vol 2(1)

January 1988

Fixation of the Human Brain for Plastination: Special Considerations

Alfred Riepertinger

Summary of the procedure

  1. Open the skull, remove the brain and transfer it immediately to the hedgehog mold.
  2. Prepare injection instruments and 100% formaline for injection.
  3. Insert a cannula into the vertebral artery and clamp off the remaining vertebral artery and both internal carotid arteries.
  4. Inject about 150 ml of 100% formalin into the brain.
  5. Prepare about 3.5 to 5.0 liters of 5% formalin in a suitable container.
  6. Suspend the injected brain, immersed in the 5% formalin, by a basilar artery for one week.