A simplified method of casting the macroscopic airways of lungs

Endoscopic bronchial anatomy in the cat

The aim of this paper is to define the endoscopic bronchial anatomy of the cat and to adapt these findings to the bronchoscopic nomenclature previously described for the dog by Amis and McKiernan (Amis TC, McKiernan BC (1986) Systematic identification of endobronchial anatomy during bronchoscopy in the dog. American Journal of Veterinary Research47(12), 2649–2657). In this study, the normal endoscopic bronchial anatomy was identified based on analysis of 10 air-dried feline lungs, two euthanased and eight healthy anesthetized cats using either a rigid or a flexible endoscope. Endoscopic photographs were taken during the examinations in the anesthetized cats for a photographic atlas. Corrosion casts were made from the 10 air-dried lungs to confirm the anatomy identified by bronchoscopy. With the results of our findings a bronchoscopic map of the feline bronchial tree and a photographic bronchoscopic atlas of the healthy cat were made.

Development and Validation of a Technique for Casting Anatomical Features and Toolmarks

Time may elapse between examination of marks inflicted on the body and comparison with a potential weapon. Two-dimensional photographs may be inadequate for effective comparison of a three-dimensional mark with a putative instrument. Taking a cast and producing a positive image results in a lasting three-dimensional record. This project aimed to develop and demonstrate the accuracy of an easy technique for production of long-lasting positive images (using plaster of Paris and dental alginate). Casts of facial features of embalmed cadavers were used to produce a positive image of the face (death mask). Measurements of distances between facial anatomical landmarks were compared with measurements of distances between the same landmarks on the death masks to assess accuracy of reproduction. There were no significant differences between cadaver and death mask in 6 of 9 measurements, indicating this technique has high accuracy with less mobile facial features, but produces deformation of pliable features.

Alterations in equine guttural pouch morphology with head position: observations using a new technique for producing accurate casts

BACKGROUND

An improved technique for preparing casts of the equine guttural pouch is described. The new technique is simplified and inexpensive in comparison to previous techniques and produces highly accurate anatomic models which are both durable and flexible.

METHODS

Silicone rubber bathtub caulk was injected into the guttural pouches of horse cadavers. The silicone was allowed to cure overnight, and casts were removed by dissection. The new technique was then used to evaluate changes in the shape of the guttural pouch with changes in head position.

RESULTS

With flexion of the atlanto-occipital joint, the lateral compartment of the guttural pouch in particular was found to change considerably in size in shape. The angle of inclination of the ventral border of this pouch increased with flexion, as did the depth of the impression made by the rostral portion of the stylohyoid bone. In addition, the lateral compartment diminished in thickness rostrally in casts from flexed animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The viscous silicone caulk resulted in superior casts of the equine guttural pouch. Observations of changed pouch shape with head position agree well with previous reports of increased difficulty in draining the lateral compartment of the horse's guttural pouch when the head is held in the flexed position.

Method for identifying putrefied corpses by facial casting

The authors developed an original method for casting the face of putrefied corpses, which allowed a three-dimensional facial cast of an individual to be made. This method used several stages: face restoration by subcutaneous injections of specific materials, casting by elastomer, then three-dimensional positive image building. This technique enabled the person to be recognized and then identified, and seems to be useful in such difficult cases.