Equipment

Triaxial Mechanical Testing System

Biomomentum Mach-1 Mechanical Tester

• Mach-1 V500csst: 3 Stages (Biomomentum Inc, Laval, Québec, Canada)
  • 100 mm Travel; 0.5 um Res.
• Multiple-Axis Load Cell (70 N)
• Single-Axis Load Cell (100 N)
• Manual X Positioner (50 mm)
• Manual Angular Positioner (Tilt: ±25°, Rotation: 360°)
• Mach-1 Analysis Software

  https://biomomentum.com/product/2283335000000087003/details/mechanical-tester-model-mach-1-v500csst/

3-Axis Motion Controller

• Newport ESP 301 Motion Controller and Driver

Python

• Anaconda distribution 2 or 3

Other Supplies

• Scalpel
• Hemostat
• Arbor press
• Die Cutter for desired sample shape

• Acrylic tube ID:99mm OD:107mm (Saline bath chamber)

• O-Ring Size: AS 568-043
• Tensile grips
• Saline in a spray bottle
• Paper towels
• Rubber gloves
• Markers
• Sealed sample storage
• Freezer/refrigeration access
• Ruler
• Surgical gown
• Face mask
• Biohazard disposal container
• Camera
• Paper towels

Cadaver Dissection

1. Remove extremity from the freezer and place on dissection table. The specimen should thaw for 16-20 hours. Unwrapping the specimen and exposing it to ambient air temperature will accelerate defrosting.
2. Prepare specimen bags for labeling as soon as the tissue is removed.
3. Place chux on the table under the specimen and place the posterior side of the limb down on the table.
4. Label tissue with a skin marker or permanent marker to guide cuts.
5. Begin to dissect the tissue by each region. Cut into the tissue until the scalpel reaches the muscle, do not cut into the muscle yet. Continue to cut around the perimeter of the dissected rectangular portion of skin and remove it completely with the fat.
6. Carefully dissect the fat from the skin using hemostats, a scalpel, and scissors.
7. Spray the tissue with saline as needed.
8. Take photos of the labeled bag next to the region of the leg where the tissue came from.

   1. Refer to the labeling page for naming convention.

      1. The dissected skin should be at least 10cm by 10cm. Dissect in sizes that are large enough that are large enough to obtain 3 tensile samples (25mm x 5mm gage length), rotated 45 degrees to each other.
         1. Skin samples superior to inferior and two more adjacent to it following 45 degree rotations.
         2. Skin sample along langer lines and two more adjacent to it following 45 degree rotations.
9. Once the tissue is isolated, spray saline paper towel and wrap the tissue in it. Place the sample in a labeled bag and seal completely.
10. Continue to dissect neighboring regions until the leg is fully dissected.
11. Dispose of the waste appropriately according to biohazard disposal protocol.