Anatomical methods in the study of cardiovascular pathology: a refined technique

A refined technique is described for the anatomical study of the heart and coronary arteries after perfusion with agar-barium sulfate contrast medium. The method includes dissection and isolation of the perfused coronary arteries with sequential cross-sectioning and radiography of intact and cross-sectioned vessels. This technique allows better evaluation of the extent of cross-luminal narrowing and improved selection of myocardium for histologic sectioning. This affords better correlation of autopsy and clinical findings than conventional methods and permits easier retrieval of data and better standardization of results for use in pathological studies.