Embalming II Chapter 15

Single intradermal suture

"Hidden stitch," used on exposed areas of the body and is directed through the subcutaneous tissues only.

Ecchymosis

(Bruise) Discoloration of the skin caused by the escape of blood within the tissues; generally accompanied by swelling

Continuous (Whip) Suture

Anchor the suture thread. Pass the needle through both sides of the incision, starting on the outside of the tissue on one side of the incision and passing directly through and out the tissues of the opposite side of the incision. Pass the thread over the top of the incision and begin the next stitch 1/2 to 1 inch beyond the previous stitch. The porcess is completeted when the incision is closed

Popliteal Artery

Begin the suture at the inferior (or distal) portion of the incision and suture superiorly

Autopsies (Trunk Standard "Y" Incision)

Begin the suture at the trunk at the pubic symphysis and suture superiorly.

Anterior and Posterior Tibial Arteries

Begin the sutures distally and suture superiorly

Maggots

Can develop after 24 hours if flys are able to lay eggs

Crepitation

Crackling sensation produced when gases trapped in tissues are palpated, as in subcutaneous emphysema or tissue gas.

Interlocking (Lock) Suture

Creates a tight, leakproof closure. A disadvantage is an unsightly ridge that appears on the surface of the incision.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Distention of the tissues beneath the skin by gas or air. An antemortem condition brought about by a surgical procedure or trauma

Leakage

Escape of blood or fluid

Common Carotid Artery

If using the parallel incision, suture from the inferior portion of the incision superiorly. If using a supraclavicular incision, suture from the medial portion of the incision laterally.

Mold

In warm climates a problem when bodies are being held for long periods.

Terminal disinfection

Institution of disinfection and decontamination measures after preparation of the remains

Cotton, Linen Thread or Dental Floss

Linen thread is stronger than cotton thread. It is recommended for autopsy and vessel incision sutures. Dental floss is used for restorative sutures, which are located on visible areas.

Invasive devices

Pacemaker, intravenous needles, surgical drains, colostomy apparatus

Coverall

Plastic garment designed to cover the body from the chest down to the upper thigh

Unionall

Plastic garment designed to cover the entire body from the neck down to and including the feet

Purge

Postmortem evacution of any substance from an external orifice of the body as a result of pressure.

Autopsy gel

Preservative gels available in two viscosities: a gel that is thin and can be poured, and a more viscous gel that can easily be applied by brush to the skin surface.

Radial and Ulnar Arteries

Suture from the distal portion of the incision medially

Femoral Artery

Suture from the inferior portion of the incision superiorly.

Axillary Artery

Suture from the medial area of the incision laterally (with the arm abducted)

Brachial Artery

Suture from the medial portion of the incision laterally

Double Intradermal Suture

Suture is made with two needles threaded with opposite ends of the same thread.

Inversion (Worm) Suture

Suture is not visible and may be waxed as needed. It is an excellant suture for forclosing a carotid incision or closing the scalp on the cranial autopsy.

Bridge suture

Temporary suture consisting of individually cut and tied stitches employed to sustain the proper position of tissues

Baseball suture

The most secure and commonly used, this suture is airtight.

Postembalming analysis

Time period after embalming examination of body by embalmer touch up any areas

Phenol cautery chemicals

Used for areas where the superficial layers of skin are missing

A 3/8-inch Circle Needle

Used for restorative sutures and to suture incisions made to raise vessels

Double-Curved Autopsy Needle

Used to close autopsy incisions, surgical incisions, and incisions made to raise vessels

Surface embalming

Used to treat intact skin that has not received sufficient arterial fluid.

Hypodermic embalming

Used totreat small localized body areas or large areas, such as the trunk walls of the autopsied body or a limb that did not receive sufficient arterial fluid and can't be injected arterially