Embalming - Drainage

Contents of Drainage

blood and blood clots

interstitial fluid, lymphatic fluid

embalming solution

purpose of drainage

makes room for arterial solution

reduces secondary dilution of arterial fluid

removed intravascular blood discolorations

removes tissue that rapidly decomposes

removes an element that speeds decomp

to remove bacterial present in the blood

to prevent discolorations

to reduce swollen tissues

primary purpose for drainage

makes room for the arterial solution so ti can be evenly distributed to all tissues of the body with a minimum distention.

Methods of drainage in relation to injection

alternate

concurrent

intermittent

alternate drainage

arterial solution is never injected while drainage is being taken.

a quart or two of the arterial solution is injected; then the arterial injection is stopped and venour drainage commences

concurrent (continuous) drainage

injection and drainage are allowed to proceed at the same time throughout the embalming.

intermittent drainage

injection of the embalming solution continues throughout the embalming and the drainage is shut off for selected short periods.

pre-embalming techniques for improving drainage

selection of a large vein

selection of a large drainage instrument

injection of a pre-injection fluid

removal of extravascular pressure such as gas and fluids in the abdomen

During Injection techniques to improve drainage

use of drainage devices to fragment clots

use of massage and pressure applied over the heart and/or liver to move venous clots

increase the rate of solution injection or increase the pressure of the solution being injected

intermittent and alternate forms of drainage techniques

selection of another drainage site if necessary

should there be a complication with the right internal jugular vein this can be used

the left internal jugular vein

Note this vein turns to the right, often making it difficult to insert a drainage instrument