One problem of ischemia is that cryoprotectant will not reach all parts of the brain. While cryoprotectant is pumped through existing blood vessels, some brain regions will decay, and one cannot know in advance which ones will be affected.
The solution is known: slice the brain into thin sections and place each section in cryoprotectant or chemical fixative. In this case, the preservation chemicals will reach all parts of the brain, and any damage from slicing is predictable.
Interestingly, Lenin’s brain was preserved this way in 1924. It appears this was the best method available, and we haven’t advanced much since then.
One problem of ischemia is that cryoprotectant will not reach all parts of the brain. While cryoprotectant is pumped through existing blood vessels, some brain regions will decay, and one cannot know in advance which ones will be affected.
The solution is known: slice the brain into thin sections and place each section in cryoprotectant or chemical fixative. In this case, the preservation chemicals will reach all parts of the brain, and any damage from slicing is predictable.
Interestingly, Lenin’s brain was preserved this way in 1924. It appears this was the best method available, and we haven’t advanced much since then.