Prof. E. H. Crane's manual of instructions to undertakers

by Elliot H. Crane

Either of the three great arteries, viz: The Carotid, Femoral or Brachial may be selected for the operation, as it makes no difference in its effectiveness, all of the arteries of the body inosculating or intercommunicating with each other as well as being connected at the heart as a central point.

The arteries after death are flattened or collapsed, which is due to the fact that the blood is congealed in the veins, leaving the arteries empty and pale. Every artery has its corresponding vein by its side from which it is easily distinguished, as the veins are of a bluish color, while the arteries are of a creamish white. There is usually a nerve in close proximity to the artery, and although nearly of the same color, it may be distinguished by its being rounder and not being hollow like the artery. Taken between the thumb and finger the artery has the feeling of a hollow tube, while the nerve feels more solid to the touch being filled with a fibrous substance, something of the consistency of marrow.

The Carotid or great Artery of the neck (see illustration) being the largest one of the whole body, is used for the injection by some Embalmers, but in many cases it is necessary to avoid having the marks of the incision show, as would be the case with children dressed low in the neck. The Femoral, or main artery of the thigh (see illustration) is also objectionable from the necessary exposure while performing the operation, and as the Arterial Circulation can be filled equally as well from the Brachial or large artery of the arm, I would advise its selection, and as a rule, the confining of your practice to that location, as it is best to be expert in performing the operation by the one method rather than to be awkward from lack of sufficient practice from trying too many ways unless your opportunities for practicing are greater than is ordinarily the case.

CHAPTER IX.
Directions for Locating and Injecting the Carotid Artery.

The Carotid Artery lies nearer the surface, midway between the angle of the lower jaw and the top of the collar bone being deeper under the surface at the bottom of the neck. It is, however, desirable to make the incision as low in the neck as possible in order to avoid leaving the marks of it visible. Begin the incision on either side of the neck at a point half way between the thyroid cartilage (or Adam’s apple) and the top of the collar bone cutting downward. By reference to the plate illustrating the location and course of this artery you will note the place marked for the incision. The course of the Carotid Artery is in a line drawn from the angle or bend of the collar bone where it joins the Sternum or breast bone, upwards towards the ear, and it is at the side of and almost touching the windpipe at the top of the collar bone, but recedes backwards from the windpipe and comes nearer to the surface as it passes upwards. It is contained in a sheath which incloses also the internal jugular vein which lies close to and on the outer side of the artery.

See dotted line for place for making the incision.

Having taken up the artery, make a slit or cut in it lengthwise about three eights of an inch in length and insert the point of the syringe towards the body (never towards the head when you are injecting into the Carotid Artery), securing the artery to the syringe point with strong thread; also tie the artery above the syringe point, that nothing may run out from that end of the slit. Now proceed to inject the Preservative and continue to slowly force it into the artery as long as you can do so with moderate pressure of the syringe bulb, but discontinue when the veins in the forehead begin to show a slight distention. Then let it remain about two hours by which time the Capillary veins will have absorbed a portion of the Preservative already injected, when you will find it easy to inject about one-third as much more into the artery.

For most cases one injection is sufficient, but to keep a body for months it is well to repeat the injection the second day or the third day, the Preservative being largely absorbed by that time. After the injection is completed tie the artery below the point of the syringe securely, remove the syringe point, and sew up the cut.