Why do medical examinators use Y-incisions?
Asked by
rebbel (
35549
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October 21st, 2011
Medical examinators, and probably other medics too, use a Y-incisions when they open the chest to investigate causes of death.
Why the Y, and not an I ?
Or an O, or a T ?
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7 Answers
After a quick review, the Y method does not appear to be the “only” method, just the most frequently used.
The body is propped up underneath the back, creating an arch. The Y method apparently prevents any liquids still in a fluid form from seeping out unexpectedly that still may appear in the chest cavity. The skin can be pulled back conveniently from that initial cut, allowing access to the whole rib cage, and later sewn back together.
Awesome question btw.
The arms of the “Y” extend from each shoulder to the bottom of the breastbone. The tail of the “Y” extends from the sternum to the public bone. It makes three flaps that can be pulled back exposing the rib cage, the abdominal cavity and all organs.
The autopsy table is made with a slanted tray with raised edges to keep fluids and blood from hitting the floor. The blood that is released during the procedure is also weighed.
The straight I of the Y makes a little zig-zag to avoid the belly button.
Thank you all for your answers…, very insightful!
You are such much-knowing Jellies, I love it!
Read a little Patricia Cornewell and you, too, can be extra-knowledgeable regarding autopsies and the Medical Examiner trade. And have some bitchin’ nightmares for awhile, too.
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