Abstract: A cadaverous heart model and methods of making and using the cadaverous heart model are provided. The cadaverous heart model may remain within the chest cavity of the cadaver (in situ) or may be explanted (ex vivo). The efferent and afferent vessels of the heart are ligated and one or more of the heart chambers are cannulated to permit the infusion of fluid. Video cameras or other means for visualizing the flow of fluid and opening and closing of valves are applied internally or proximally externally. Pumps and inflatable bladders are used to effect the flow of fluid within the heart model.

Abstract: A system and method of preserving cadaveric tissue is provided. The present invention utilizes a preservation fluid having high-dose DMSO, high-dose acetic acid, and isopropyl alcohol. It is believed that the high-dose DMSO serves as a hardening agent while the high-dose acetic acid serves as a softening agent.

Abstract: A system for reconstituting circulation in a cadaver includes at least a pump, a fluid driven by the pump, and operative fluid connections between the pump and the cadaver. The system may be used to occlude one or more arterioles within the cadaver. The system may include a first circuit that creates a first fluid path with vessels of the cadaver, with first circuit having a first fluid conduit, a heater unit, a first pump, and a resistance device. The system may also include a second circuit that creates a second fluid path with vessels of the cadaver that are different from the vessels of the first circuit, with the second circuit having a second fluid conduit and a second pump. Alternately, the system may include a first circuit that creates a first fluid path with vessels of the cadaver and a second flow path that creates a second fluid path with the reservoir, where the first circuit includes a first conduit, a second connector, a pump, a reservoir, and a connector.

Abstract: A system for and method of reconstituting post mortem circulation is provided. Certain methods include simulating natural clotting cascades at wound sites while preventing clotting in reservoirs and within the cadaver. Clot prevention in the reservoir and the cadaver are accomplished with an anticoagulant and a dispersant, respectively. Simulation of clotting at the wound site is accomplished by diluting cadaver fluid with reservoir fluid, thereby diluting the dispersant. The cadaver fluid contains excess calcium for resisting the anticoagulant of the reservoir fluid. Certain methods of the present invention also include reanimating a heart, attaching foreign cadaveric circulatory branches to other cadaveric tissue, enabling mobile cadaveric perfusion, and utilizing a water bath with gravity-feed perfusion.

Abstract: A system for reconstituting circulation in a cadaver includes at least a pump, a fluid driven by the pump, and operative fluid connections between the pump and the cadaver. The system may be used to occlude one or more arterioles within the cadaver. The system may include a first circuit that creates a first fluid path with vessels of the cadaver, with first circuit having a first fluid conduit, a heater unit, a first pump, and a resistance device. The system may also include a second circuit that creates a second fluid path with vessels of the cadaver that are different from the vessels of the first circuit, with the second circuit having a second fluid conduit and a second pump. Alternately, the system may include a first circuit that creates a first fluid path with vessels of the cadaver and a second flow path that creates a second fluid path with the reservoir, where the first circuit includes a first conduit, a second connector, a pump, a reservoir, and a connector.