Executive Offices - Embalming Supply Company

AppliedEmbalming
Primary BlOOd VeSSelS fOr VaSCular injeCTiOn
right Common Carotid artery: The most common artery used in embalming. This vessel has a large
accompanying vein (Internal Jugular). The artery follows the course of the trachea and esophagus. The carotid sheath
contains the Common Carotid Artery, the Internal Jugular Vein, and the Vagus Nerve (Pneumogastric Nerve or 10th
Cranial Nerve).
Common Carotid artery: The imaginary guideline for the Right Common Carotid Artery is from the
sternoclavicular articulation, to the angle of the jaw, ear lobe or the mastoid process (behind the ear). The incisions
vary as to the practitioner.
The medial Supraclavicular: Between the clavicular and sternal attachment of the sternoclavicular muscle.
The incision is approximately 1-inch in length with the clavicle (collar-bone) used as a support for cutting. The tissue
is pulled slightly upward prior to making the incision. Blunt dissection exposes the carotid sheath containing the
necessary vessels for injection and drainage. Some practitioners lift the whole sheath, separate the vessels and place
two ligatures on each vessel (superior and inferior) using straight forceps, the aneurism hook (needle) or a thread
passer. Care must be taken not to twist the vessels. Other practitioners pick up the vein first and others the artery
first. The technique is optional. All prepare the vessels for the insertion of the necessary tubes.
inSerTiOn Of TuBeS
Two arterial tubes are inserted into the Right Common Carotid, one upward (superior) and one downward
(inferior) for control and convenience. For maximum control it is recommended that a drain tube be inserted into the
Internal Jugular. This allows for the practitioner to control intervascular pressure and distribution. The addition of a
plastic hose to the drain tube to the point of drainage provides a system of control for drainage and a method of
environmental control for the practitioner/embalmer. The insertion of the drain tube may be difficult. If the vessel is
twisted, a pair of angular forceps may be used to prepare the way for the arterial tube. The rule of thumb is to use
the largest drain tube possible. If resistance occurs, use a smaller size. If there is still resistance, gently lift the right
shoulder when inserting the drain tube changing the direction in a circular motion.
The supraclavicular incision is made at the middle third of the clavicle. The vessels are located toward the
midline, hugging the trachea. Anatomically the trachea lies anterior to the esophagus. The trachea is made up of C
shaped concentric rings of cartilage, which can easily be identified by digital touch. Some practitioners may pick up the
Left Common Carotid from the incision made on the right side by dissecting the tissue above the trachea, or between
the esophagus and the trachea. After the embalming process, some practitioners may make an incision between the
concentric cartilage of the trachea and pack the trachea superiorly and inferiorly with cotton saturated with Mouth
Fix or use MF (Multipurpose Filler) to control purge (liquid or gas).
additional injection Sights for the Common Carotid arteries
The parallel incision is made posterior the sternocleidomastoideus. Restricted cervical, both Common Carotid
Arteries are used for specific procedures. Half moon, a crescent incision from the center of one clavicle to the center
of the other clavicle. Transverse incision is from the center of one clavicle, to the center of the other clavicle. Flap
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