Hoffen P45: A Modified Polyester Plastination Technique for Both Brain and Body Slices

Abstract

2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752,USA. ABSTRACT: Plastination is the premier methodology for preservation of biological specimens, and is applicable to many allied areas: anatomy, biology, pathology, embryology, and clinical medicine, as well as art. This polymer technique produces 2-3 mm semi-transparent to translucent slices which display anatomy within its normal relationships and anatomical environs. Polyester slices are an excellent modality for understanding modern diagnostic images: computed tomography, magnetic resonance and ultrasound. Polyester plastination was developed for the preservation and study of brain tissue. In recent years, polyester has also been used for presentation of numerous tissues. The Hoffen P45 technique was developed near the turn of the century for both brain tissue and body slices. Both the resin and the curing method are different from classic polyester techniques. The Hoffen P45 technique uses a water bath for curing of the polymer rather than UVA light.