RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to produce anatomical preparations by injecting vessels with colored silicone to study the brain and skull base anatomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fresh, undissected, and unfixed cadavers were used. The internal carotid arteries and internal jugular veins were identified on both sides of the neck. The vessels were washed with running water. Then, a complex solution consisting of white silicone rubber, silicone oil (solvent), and a coloring pigment (red and blue pigments) at a ratio of 1:(0.9-1.1):(0.04-0.06), respectively, was prepared. About 30-60 s before injecting the complex solution into the vessels, a catalyst-hardener was added to the solution at a ratio of 1:(0.05-0.07). The complex solution was first introduced into the internal carotid artery until the solution came out from the contralateral internal carotid artery; then, the solution was injected into the internal jugular vein until the solution emerged from the contralateral internal jugular vein. RESULTS: The technique enables quick and high-quality visualization of both large and very small vessels of the brain and skull base. CONCLUSION: The proposed simple and inexpensive technique of manufacturing anatomical preparations improves the quality of training and mastering of microsurgical skills in residents and practicing neurosurgeons.
