Inflated, dried whole lung specimens.

A method is described for preparing fully-inflated whole lung specimens that are suitable for instruction or research purposes. Undamaged lungs are removed from the body and then tracheally cannulated and lavaged with tap water more than 250 times. The treatment also includes rinsing blood from vessels with water. A final filling of the lung with alcohol is optional. The multiply rinsed lung is drained and inflated to 30 cm of H2O pressure with dehumidified air and held at that pressure until the tissue is completely dry. The resulting specimens are light in color and appear to be permanent if stored properly.