Studies of Cochlear Vasculature and Sensory Structures: A Modified Method

A new “soft surface preparation technique” for detailed studies of all intracochlear structures is presented. The method is a combination of the “hard surface preparation technique” with osmic staining of undecalcified temporal bones and the Prussian blue technique with contrast injection of the cochlear vasculature and subsequent decalcification. Most of the disadvantages of both methods are eliminated by this combination. Large or small pieces of the cochlea can be studied including vascular pattern, vessel details, sensory and supporting structures, and membranes.