| Description | This is a Miniature Pneumothorax Apparatus. It appears as a mahogany case with a hinged lid and handle, secured on the sides with a locking mechanism, and a key locking mechanism on the front, opening like a door.
Once opened, each component is secured within the case. The lid bears an internal white label with red ink writing that reads: "GU. MFG.CO.,LTD. To avoid undue strain on the gauge, please have tap in 'OFF' position before raising piston of pump cylinder." A white plastic insertion on the top side of the door says "Genito-Urinary Mfg Co Ltd," "28a Devonshire Street, London W1," and "English Lever" is stamped on the metal locking mechanism.
This instrument was designed by Dr. James Maxwell in 1934, who describes it as follows:
"This instrument has been constructed for me by the Genito-Urinary Manufacturing Company, and has been in routine use for the past six months, during which time it has given satisfactory results.
The apparatus consists of four essential parts—the pump, the regulating valve, the aneroid manometer, and the filter. These parts are contained in a cabinet 7” by 4” by 8”, and the total weight is 6 lb. The pump has a capacity of 200 c.cm., and is made entirely of metal. The combined weight of the piston, piston-rod, and two-way cock is calculated to produce a gas pressure equal to a column of water of 35 cm. The piston-rod is hollow, and is fitted with a two-way cock of convenient shape to act as a handle by which the piston is pulled up. One end of this cock terminates in a screw cap for the purpose of holding a cotton-wool filter for the aspirated atmospheric air. The opposite end is bent downward and is joined to the regulating valve by rubber tubing. By means of this valve, the rate of flow of the air to the pleura can be controlled with great ease and accuracy within wide limits, or it can be cut off entirely. From the outlet port of the regulating valve, the tube divides into two branches. One leads via the filter to the patient and the other to an aneroid manometer. The quantity of air which has passed to the chest is indicated on the outside of the piston-rod by a double scale graduated by 20 c.cm. from 0 to 200 c.cm. The filter is a little more elaborate in design than is usual with existing apparatus, but the frequent and convenient change of the cotton-wool packing, which is possible, justifies the elaboration. It resembles the Record syringe and consists of a glass tube with a metal cone at one end and a screw cap at the other. The ground metal cone fits into a counterpart, which is part of the 'T' junction connecting the manometer and filter to the regulating valve. When the wool is to be changed, the filter is removed from the clip which holds it to the wall of the cabinet, and is then disconnected from the 'T' piece. The cap is then unscrewed and the wool changed. The whole process is carried out without disturbing the rubber tubing.
The manometer is specially constructed and has been subjected to severe tests extending over two years in order to ascertain its constant accuracy. The scale is well spaced, and the pressures can be read easily; the instrument appears to be more sensitive than the water manometer. A suitable winder for the rubber tubing and a detachable rack for the needles are fixed inside the door of the cabinet. The most suitable lubricant for the piston has been found to be ordinary medicinal castor oil.
The advantages claimed for this instrument are that it is readily portable, there is little likelihood of accidental damage, it is always ready for use, and the difficulties inseparable from the use of liquid in the manometer are obviated. When used for a refill, the instrument is placed upright, the cylinder is filled with atmospheric air, and the flow to the chest is regulated by the special valve, so that any desired pressure can be maintained; the pressure is constantly indicated by the manometer, and the flow of air can be instantly stopped by closing the valve.
For the induction of a pneumothorax, in which case it is necessary that the first part of the air should be drawn into the chest by the suction of the collapsing lung, the instrument is placed on its back so that the cylinder is horizontal. It has been found that a negative pressure of only 3 or 4 cm. of water is sufficient to move the piston, and so draw air into the chest. For the withdrawal of air from the chest, the reverse process must be carried out, the air being drawn from the chest to the cylinder by suction. The filter must, of course, always be changed before the instrument is again employed for refills."
The key, made of metal, appears corroded, but the stamps "Ceney England" on one side, and "No 14" on the other can still be read. Inside the perforation of the key, a hemp thread is tied, which allows the key to be attached to the handle of the pneumothorax apparatus.
Along with it, a label with handwritten "A/845A" on one side, and 952 in blue pen is attached with a small hemp thread.
Pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. this can occus spontaneously or as a result of trauma or medical procedures. The concept of introducing pneumothorax was first introduced in 1882 as a treatment for tuberculosis by Italian physician Carlo Forlanini, aiming to collapse the affected lung and allow it to rest and heal. Over time, the technique evolved, and various instruments, like the one designed by Dr. James Maxwell, were developed to control and monitor the process more effectively. |