Identification of orbital arteries by means of stamp-pad ink on embalmed cadavers

Abstract

Vascular identification is an effective way of analysing the vascular system from large to very small blood vessels in cadaveric studies. A variety of vascular injection products have been utilised over the past decades to facilitate and demonstrate dissection of the blood vessels. The coloured dye used to demonstrate the branching patterns of the vascular system was introduced by Jean Riolan (1580 to 1657) (Doomernik et al., 2016). Although different identification techniques are available, only a few can be used on the specimens during dissections. A total of 118 human eyes from 59 bodies were dissected and all blood vessels were exposed. The ophthalmic artery (OA) and its branches were identified by means of fine dissections. The aid of a lighted magnifying glass made fine dissections of small blood vessels possible. After removing the orbital fat around the blood vessels, the arteries were then smoothly painted with the red stamp-pad ink and a paintbrush. Specimens were then allowed to dry at room temperature before photographic capturing and recording of the OA and its branches in each of the specimens were made. An accurate identification of the arterial system was possible as the arteries were followed intraorbitally from the point where the OA emerged from the optic canal on course with the optic nerve. All branches of the OA that were present were identified and recorded. The application of stamp-pad ink as a dye is useful in the marking and identification of anatomical structures and can be used in the anatomy training for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.