Jason
A method is as follows:
Cannulate the trachea of the fresh lung and place the whole lung in a tank
of warm water. Then fill the lung with warm water via the cannula. Clear the
airways of mucous secretions by repeated lavage and gentle manual
compression (this may take several washes). Inflate the lung carefully with
carbon dioxide to remove all air and then deflate using a water vaccuum
pump. Repeat several times to ensure complete de-aeration. Fill the lung
with de-aerated water (can take up to 15 litres for complete lungs). Replace
all water with 95% ethanol or industrial spirit. Float in ethanol or
industrial spirit for 2-7 days depending on size of lung or lungs. Formalin
is not used as a fixative as it hardens and destroys the elasticity of the
bronchial structure. At this stage if the lung is to be handled it should be
processed by a method known as plastination. The method is patented by
Biodur of Germany but the non commercial production of specimens for museums
and education is not restricted. A plastinated specimen can be handled
without damaging the specimen. The other alternative is to prepare the lung
for mounting in perspex.

If you require either method send me a fax number and I will fax it to you.
Regards
Roy Ellis
mailto:roy.ellis@imvs.sa.gov.au


> -----Original Message-----
> From: jjthorsten@mmm.com [mailto:jjthorsten@mmm.com]
> Sent: Thursday, 22 November 2001 02:00 AM
> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Fixation
>
>
> Hi histonetters,
>
> I am wondering if anyone knows a way to fix an entire lung to keep it as
> pliable as possible, but also to keep it from decomposing.  I have seen in
> some educational catalogs that they have model lungs which are from pigs
> for inhalation demonstrations.  Any information you can provide would be
> great.
>
> Thank You,
>
> Jason
> HT, (ASCP)
>
>