Effect of formalin fixation on thermal conductivity of the biological tissues is presented. A self-heated thermistor probe was used to measure the tissue thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of porcine aorta, fat, heart, and liver was measured before the formalin fixation and then 1 day, 4 days, and 11 days after formalin fixation. The results indicate that the formalin fixation does not cause a significant change in the tissue thermal conductivity of the tissues studied. In the clinical setting, tissues removed surgically are often fixed in formalin for subsequent pathological analysis. These results suggest that, in terms of thermal properties, it is equally appropriate to perform in vitro studies in either fresh tissue or formalin-fixed tissue.
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July 2009
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Effect of Formalin Fixation on Thermal Conductivity of the Biological Tissue
Nachiket M. Kharalkar,
Nachiket M. Kharalkar
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
e-mail: nachiket@me.com
University of Texas at Austin
, 1 University Station C0803, Austin, TX 78712
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Steven C. Bauserman,
Steven C. Bauserman
MD
Department of Pathology,
University of Texas Medical Branch
, Austin Campus, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, TX 78701
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Jonathan W. Valvano
Jonathan W. Valvano
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Texas at Austin
, 1 University Station C0803, Austin, TX 78712
Search for other works by this author on:
Nachiket M. Kharalkar
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Texas at Austin
, 1 University Station C0803, Austin, TX 78712e-mail: nachiket@me.com
Steven C. Bauserman
MD
Department of Pathology,
University of Texas Medical Branch
, Austin Campus, Brackenridge Hospital, Austin, TX 78701
Jonathan W. Valvano
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
University of Texas at Austin
, 1 University Station C0803, Austin, TX 78712J Biomech Eng. Jul 2009, 131(7): 074508 (4 pages)
Published Online: June 8, 2009
Article history
Received:
March 20, 2008
Revised:
April 13, 2009
Published:
June 8, 2009
Citation
Kharalkar, N. M., Bauserman, S. C., and Valvano, J. W. (June 8, 2009). "Effect of Formalin Fixation on Thermal Conductivity of the Biological Tissue." ASME. J Biomech Eng. July 2009; 131(7): 074508. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3147745
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