A study of placental vascular pattern by corrosive cast in Gujarat Region.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: A study of placental vasculature pattern was undertaken by using corrosion cast technique. The placenta is a highly vascularised organ. In this study we aimed to elucidate the structure of the cotyledonary vasculature of the human placenta after delivery, which serves as a core for the shape of the whole foetal villosity. Material & Method: Appropriate cast material was injected through placental vessels to form a corrosion cast model of placental blood vessels which was followed by meticulous dissection. Results: The cast models demonstrated very well the Hyrtl anastomosis between the umbilical arteries in the vicinity of the umbilical cord insertion into the placenta but no extra-placental anastomosis found between umbilical artery and umbilical vein. The chorionic vasculature exhibits a combination of the dichotomous and monopodial patterns. The chorionic vessels branch through 6 to 8 generations from the cord insertion towards the margins of the chorionic plate. The vein bifurcated twice immediately after insertion into the placenta. Conclusion: 3-dimensional structure of placenta can be demonstrated by micro vascular casts which reflect the shape of the whole or part of the organ, and include specific details such as the capillary architectural structure. Macroscopic visualisation can technically be advanced in 3 ways treatment of maternal and fetal circulatory systems in common or each of the 2 systems separately.