Special Procedures

Question 1

For what cases should hearts be sent for cutting and consultation?

Answer 1

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Valve replacements
Aneurysmectomy
Angioplasty, especially stents
Any patients with conduction system problems or congential heart problems
All patients who are or have been on the Coronary Care Unit
Any “unusual or interesting” cases

Question 2

What special procedures are performed on brains?

Answer 2

Fix for 7-10 days in 20% formalin

Brain cutting happens on Mondays at 10am

Question 3

What special procedures are performed for toxicology cases?

Answer 3

Take fresh blood or liver samples

Can also take samples of vitreous humor, urine, other organs, hair, stomach contents, or bile

Question 4

What measurement should you take for perinatal and pediatric autopsies?

Answer 4

Weight
Crown-heel
Crown-rump
Head circumference at occipitofrontal diameter
Thoracic circumference at nipple line
Abdominal circumference at umbilcus
Right foot length
Length of umbilical cord

Question 5

What special procedures should you observe for perinatal and pediatric autopsies?

Answer 5

REVIEW THE CHART
Take photographs of all gross malformations and abnormalities
Take appropriate cultures to test for infections
In cases of multiple malformations, tissue must be submitted for chromosomal analysis
Placentas should be examined in cases of stillbirths and neonates

Question 6

What general features should you examine when dissecting the placenta?

Answer 6

Maternal and fetal surfaces
Membranes - amnion and chorion
Umbilical cord - knots, color, insertion, ruptures, number of vessels

Question 7

What are some other special procedures that may need to be performed?

Answer 7

Electron microscopy
Viral cultures
X-rays
Toxicology report
Angiography and special procedures in cardiac pathology
Preparation of macrosections of pulmonary material
Histochemical studies
Perfusion
Photography
Immunopathology