Embalming requires a specialized set of instruments designed to preserve the body and restore a natural appearance. The tools range from surgical-grade stainless steel instruments for accessing blood vessels to machines that pump preservative fluid through the arterial system. Here’s a practical breakdown of what each category of tools does and how it works.
Arterial Tubes and Cannulas
Arterial tubes are the primary delivery instruments. These hollow, tube-shaped tools are inserted into arteries to channel embalming fluid from the pump into the body’s vascular system. They come in several configurations to match different arteries and situations. Standard arterial tubes have a working length of about 2 inches with “full flow” tips designed to maximize fluid distribution. Straight versions run about 4 inches and are used where a longer reach is needed.
Curved arterial tubes, available in both 2-inch and 4-inch lengths, help embalmers navigate the natural bends of blood vessels. Carotid tubes are specifically shaped for the large arteries in the neck, which serve as the most common injection point. Hairpin-style tubes, roughly 5 inches long, are angled to avoid interfering with nearby drain tubes during the process. Specialized versions exist for infants (smaller, straight designs) and for the radial artery in the wrist (just 1/16 inch in diameter).
These tubes are made from either stainless steel for repeated use or disposable plastic. The connection end comes in two styles: slip hub, which pushes onto the tubing, and threaded hub, which screws on for a more secure fit.
The Embalming Machine
The centrifugal pump is the most widely used embalming machine today. It uses an electric motor to generate pressure that pushes embalming solution through tubing and into the arterial system. Most machines can produce either pulsating or non-pulsating flow, letting the embalmer mimic the natural rhythm of circulation or deliver a steady stream.
Two key settings control the process: pressure and rate of flow. Pressure is the force that moves the solution through the body, while rate of flow measures how much solution enters per minute (tracked in ounces per minute). The machine’s gauge shows what’s called “potential pressure” when the tubing is clamped shut, and “actual pressure” once fluid is flowing into the body. The gap between those two readings, known as the differential pressure, tells the embalmer how fast fluid is actually moving, which is a critical indicator for adjusting the process based on the condition of each body.
The Trocar and Aspiration Equipment
After arterial embalming, the body’s internal cavities still contain fluids and gases that need to be removed. This is where the trocar comes in. A trocar is a long, hollow, pointed steel tube that penetrates the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities. It connects to an aspirator that creates suction, pulling out the contents of the organs and body cavities. Once aspiration is complete, concentrated preservative fluid is injected through the same trocar to treat the internal organs directly.
Aspirators come in three main types. Water-powered (hydro) aspirators are the traditional choice in prep rooms. They work on the Venturi effect: water flowing through a narrowed pipe creates a pressure drop that generates suction through a side inlet. They need no electricity, just reliable water pressure from a standard faucet connection. Electric aspirators use a motor or piston to physically create a vacuum inside a chamber, offering more consistent and adjustable suction. Oil-free piston pumps are preferred in mortuary settings because they require less maintenance and eliminate contamination risk. Diaphragm pumps are a quieter alternative for smaller workspaces. Manual aspirators also exist, relying on the operator’s physical effort to generate suction.
Incision and Dissection Instruments
Before an embalmer can insert arterial tubes, they need to locate and raise a blood vessel to the surface. This requires a small incision and careful dissection of the surrounding tissue. The scalpel handles the initial cut, while the aneurysm hook and aneurysm needle do the more delicate work underneath.
An aneurysm hook is a curved, blunt-tipped instrument used to gently separate tissue and lift a vessel without cutting into it. The aneurysm needle is similar but includes a small eye (like a sewing needle) at the hook end, which allows the embalmer to thread ligature around the vessel. This is essential for tying off arteries and veins above and below the tube insertion point so fluid flows in the intended direction and drainage is controlled.
Suturing and Closure Supplies
Once embalming is complete, every incision needs to be closed. Embalmers use curved suture needles, most commonly in half-circle or three-eighths circle shapes, chosen based on how accessible the wound site is. Tighter spaces call for more curved needles, while surface closures can use a shallower curve.
The thread (ligature) used in embalming is typically non-absorbable, since the sutures never need to dissolve. Waxed cord and heavy cotton thread are common choices. These multifilament materials hold knots securely, which matters more than infection risk in postmortem work. The same types of thread used to tie off vessels during the raising procedure double as ligature material for final closures.
Feature Setting Devices
A significant part of embalming involves restoring the deceased’s natural appearance, and specialized tools exist just for setting facial features. Eye caps are small, slightly textured plastic discs placed beneath the eyelids to maintain their shape and keep them gently closed. They come in round and oval shapes, in clear or flesh-toned plastic, and some are perforated to grip the inner surface of the eyelid more effectively.
Mouth formers are plastic plates or frameworks placed inside the mouth to support the lips and cheeks in a natural expression. Options include simple flat plates, dental simulators that replicate the look of teeth behind closed lips, and multi-size expression formers that can be adjusted to match different facial structures. The mouth is typically secured closed using suture through the jaw or with a needle injector device that anchors wire through the gums.
Positioning Equipment
Proper positioning of the body before embalming fluid sets is critical, because once preservation takes hold, the pose becomes permanent. Head blocks are the most fundamental positioning tool. They range from disposable polystyrene (styrofoam) blocks to durable hard rubber models with non-skid textures and deep curvatures. Multi-position polyethylene head blocks offer six different curvatures, from hyperbolic to parabolic to elevated, giving embalmers precise control over the head’s angle and tilt.
Body positioners are full-width plastic supports constructed from high-impact material, used to keep the torso properly aligned on the table. Arm blocks, available in disposable polystyrene or adjustable styles with Velcro straps, hold the hands and arms in place. Aluminum body bridges span across the body to support draping or prevent compression. Soft rubber wedge supports offer lightweight, flexible positioning for areas that need gentle elevation. Adjustable aluminum head positioners with replaceable feet allow fine-tuning throughout the process.
Personal Protective Equipment
Embalming exposes workers to bloodborne pathogens and chemical fumes, making protective gear as essential as the instruments themselves. OSHA requires compliance with its Bloodborne Pathogens standard, Personal Protective Equipment standard, and Respiratory Protection standard for all deathcare workers who handle human remains.
The baseline gear includes nonsterile nitrile gloves, with heavy-duty gloves layered over them when there’s risk of cuts or punctures from sharps like trocars and scalpels. A clean, long-sleeved, fluid-resistant gown protects clothing and skin. Eye and face protection means either a full plastic face shield or a combination of surgical mask and goggles. When procedures could generate aerosols, a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator or better is required, along with fit testing and formal training under a respiratory protection program. All contaminated sharps go into puncture-proof, labeled, closable containers immediately after use.