Human Body Preservation via Left Common Carotid Artery: Anatomical Considerations, Embalming Techniques, and Comparative Preservation Methods

Abstract

Introduction: Human cadaveric preservation is fundamental to anatomical education, surgical training, and forensic research. Effective preservation facilitates prolonged study of anatomical structures, enables surgical skill acquisition, and supports experimental investigations. Arterial embalming provides uniform distribution of chemical solutions throughout the vascular system, maintaining tissue integrity and preventing decomposition. The left common carotid artery (LCCA), arising directly from the aortic arch, offers a reliable and accessible conduit for perfusion, particularly of the head and neck region. Methods: It details LCCA anatomy, carotid triangle boundaries, surface landmarks, vascular and neural relations, and stepwise dissection techniques for safe cannulation. The review also evaluates traditional formalin-based solutions and alternative preservatives, including N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, phenoxyethanol, and saturated salt methods, assessing their effects on tissue integrity, flexibility, and toxicity. Additional preservation strategies—such as Thiel embalming, plastination, immersion, and cryopreservation—are examined comparatively to highlight advantages and limitations in educational and research contexts. Results: Precise identification of the LCCA and meticulous dissection through the carotid triangle facilitate safe cannulation and effective perfusion. Formalin remains the standard for long-term preservation with excellent tissue fixation, while alternative solutions reduce toxicity and enhance pliability, improving dissection and surgical simulation outcomes. Combining arterial embalming with complementary methods can further optimize cadaver quality. Conclusion: Embalming via the LCCA represents a reliable and effective approach for human body preservation. Thorough understanding of anatomical landmarks, relations, and dissection techniques, coupled with informed selection of embalming solutions, enhances procedural safety, preserves tissue fidelity, and maximizes educational and research utility across anatomical, surgical, and forensic disciplines.

Introduction

Cadaveric preservation is essential for medical education, surgical training, and anatomical research. Arterial embalming, particularly via the left common carotid artery (LCCA), is highly effective because it allows uniform perfusion of the head, neck, and upper thorax, maintaining tissue integrity while preventing decomposition. The LCCA’s superficial course within the carotid sheath, alongside the internal jugular vein and vagus nerve, makes it accessible and safe for cannulation.

Understanding the anatomy and relations of the LCCA—including its course from the aortic arch, bifurcation into the internal and external carotid arteries, and location within the carotid triangle—is crucial for precise dissection and safe embalming. Proper technique avoids complications like vagus nerve injury, sympathetic trunk damage, or inadequate perfusion.

Embalming solutions include traditional formalin-based fluids (effective but rigid and toxic) and modern alternatives (e.g., N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, phenoxyethanol) that improve tissue flexibility and safety. Other preservation methods, such as Thiel embalming, plastination, and immersion, offer various advantages for specialized educational and research purposes.

Overall, LCCA-based arterial embalming provides high-fidelity cadaver preservation, supporting detailed anatomical study, surgical simulation, and research, while modern solutions enhance tissue quality and reduce health risks.

Conclusion

The left common carotid artery (LCCA) represents a highly reliable and effective conduit for cadaveric preservation, particularly for the head and neck regions. Its direct origin from the aortic arch, consistent anatomical course, and relative accessibility in the neck make it ideal for arterial embalming, ensuring comprehensive perfusion of critical structures. Successful cannulation and perfusion through the LCCA require thorough understanding of its anatomy, including its course, dimensions, and surrounding structures, as well as knowledge of the carotid triangle and associated vascular and neural relations. Mastery of these anatomical landmarks and meticulous dissection techniques minimizes the risk of injury to vital structures such as the vagus nerve, sympathetic trunk, and internal jugular vein, thereby ensuring safe and effective embalming. Formalin-based solutions continue to be the standard for cadaveric preservation due to their excellent fixation properties and long-term stability. However, modern alternative solutions, including N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, phenoxyethanol, and saturated salt formulations, offer advantages such as reduced toxicity, improved tissue flexibility, and maintenance of natural color and texture. Awareness of these options allows anatomists, educators, and researchers to tailor preservation methods according to specific educational, surgical, or research objectives. Furthermore, knowledge of complementary preservation techniques, including Thiel embalming, plastination, immersion, and cryopreservation, enables the selection of the most appropriate approach to meet diverse teaching and research requirements. In conclusion, arterial embalming via the LCCA, when performed with precision and guided by detailed anatomical knowledge, ensures high-quality cadaveric preservation that supports advanced anatomical education, realistic surgical simulation, and forensic investigations. The integration of safe dissection practices, careful selection of embalming solutions, and consideration of alternative preservation methods enhances the overall quality of preserved specimens while minimizing health risks to students, instructors, and laboratory personnel. Mastery of these techniques is therefore essential for maximizing the educational and research value of cadavers.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Arvind Kumar, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Dr. Satyveer Singh Mukker, Dr. Shyoram Sharma, Dr. Amit Gehlot. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.