Respond to the following discussion question for this module. Discuss the utilization of “other” vessels such as the popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial, radial, ulnar or facial. Are these vessels you’d actually use in the process of embalming, or would you rather depend on hypodermic embalming? Why or why not? Would it depend on the case? Why? REPLY TO TWO OTHER PPL FIRST PERSON Using certain vessels for embalming really does depend on the case. Are we using the same spot, or are we needing to use several injection and drainage sites? If the embalmer evaluates the decedent and they start using the carotid artery and jugular vein for a normal embalming, but they are having difficulty getting the fluid to reach certain areas, they may need to use other vessels. Knowing which vessels have branches and which don’t is very important. The more branches, the farther the fluid has the potential to travel. We need to be aware of the major vessels, arteries and veins, that we can use as alternate options for the embalming process.
If they are using the carotid artery to try and get the fluid to the face and head, but it isn’t taking, the best alternative would be to use the facial vessels. This insures that the face will be in tip top shape. Maybe the regular embalming procedure from the neck isn’t working well past the trunk. One could use the aortic option so that they could get more fluid throughout. They could also use the femoral and/or inguinal arteries in order to spread the fluid evenly throughout the lower half of the trunk and legs. Maybe one will need to use the popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial so that the feet and legs are well embalmed. And if there are issues with one arm or both arms not getting fluids moving, the radial and ulnar will usually do the trick.
However, if these methods of using other vessels are not panning out the way the embalmer is needing them to, they can always switch to hypodermic embalming, or even surface embalming. It’s a little more specific in the areas needing help. One of the best ways to see if one needs to use other embalming methods is by evaluating and re-evaluating, making the decision, seeing how it works, and making a decision from there. If an area is swelling, decide how to go about fixing it. If one area is looking good from the dye in the fluid, but another is not, decide how to fix that. Then again, re-evaluate, make the decision, see how it works, and then carry on with the process. SECOND PPL REPLY TO Embalming is a profession that takes time to learn and experience to craft. We are in a program that teaches us the fundamentals of this position in a funeral home but like every other profession the on the job training is what will enhance our knowledge in the profession as well as skill set. There are several ways to find and raise a point of injection for embalming. In some cases the areas that we are most familiar with become areas that we are not able to utilize and we will have to adjust to those areas that are less likely to be used like the popliteal, anterior and posterior tibial, radial, ulnar or even facial vessels.
The radial and ulnar arteries would be an option I would use if I could not utilize the left or right carotid artery for whatever reason. The popliteal or anterior and posterior tibial would be used if I was finding difficulty in getting fluids to extend to the lower portions of the legs. Facial areas are and can be changed by re-angling the direction of the cannula when pushing fluids to ensure all portions of the face are properly reached.
I believe that I would personally rely on the hypodermic embalming until I became more comfortable. We get in a lot of common cases and when you get one that is more challenging I think it would be exciting and rewarding but also scary to engage with. I would aim for families to be happy with the appearance of their loved one and my focus would be not to experiment but to perfect my finished product
