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Cannula and Trocar
mid-1800s
Centuries-old surgical implements
Along with the probe and scalpel, the cannula and trocar have been the standard instruments used by medical practitioners over the centuries. Their design is simple and consists of a pointed probe or lance and a tube for drainage. Both were pushed into the body whenever swelling or inflammation threatened a patient's health, or when exploration of an inner cavity was warranted. The trocar, a perforator with a triangular-shaped head, was removed and the cannula left in place, to be used as a conduit for fluids going in or coming out, or the insertion of other instruments.
Notes
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Gift from the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 1961 |
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