It is possible that in all cases it may not succeed, for the case in which I nsed it was one of old disease, and the state of the tissues may have facilitated the compression of the artery. The operation was done by dissection, not transfixion. As I had no assistant, on whom I could rely sufficiently to control the artery in the usual way, the necessity of the case mademe try the ruler. I am, Sir, Yours sincerely, "Wm. Harvey. F.R.C.S., Civil Surgeon, Huxar. iu/j June ia/4.
P.S.?Since
ruler used,
healthy
ON COMPRESSION OF THE ARTERY IN AMPUTATION AT THE SHOULDER. TO THE EDITOR OF
THE
"INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE."
Sik,?On the 26th of May I had occasion to perform an amputation at the shoulder joint for osteo-myelitis of the humerus of 10 years' standing. The coracoid process of the scapula was carious, and part of it required removal. During theoperation the axillary artery was compressed by simply pressing one end of the office ruler, which was about an inch in diameter, into the axilla. The end of the ruler was covered with a folded piece of lint. The pressure thus exerted stopped the pulse instantly. The hands of the assistant, who was holding the ruler, were not in the leiist in the way, as they were at the distant end. The advantages of this plan appear to me to be very great. I found it easy and most effectual. It does not tire, the assistant's hands, although it enables him to use great force ; it does not interfere with respiration, and a jet of blood (in tying small arteries) can be elicited in almost no time and stopped with equal quickness
disadvantages and difficulties of controlling the ftubclaaxillary artery in the ordinary way are too well known require enumeration here. Suffice it to say, the use of the
The
Tian
or
to ruler avoids them all. I write to you to
any of your readers, who may may try it. Of course, it is the upper limb. The most available in all inexperienced person can hold the ruler.
have
an
suggest to that they amputations of
opportunity,
as
writing the above I have discovered that the mentioned, will easily stop the pulse ia
above
persons.
P.S.?Since
ruler used,
healthy
ON COMPRESSION OF THE ARTERY IN AMPUTATION AT THE SHOULDER. TO THE EDITOR OF
THE
"INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE."
Sik,?On the 26th of May I had occasion to perform an amputation at the shoulder joint for osteo-myelitis of the humerus of 10 years' standing. The coracoid process of the scapula was carious, and part of it required removal. During theoperation the axillary artery was compressed by simply pressing one end of the office ruler, which was about an inch in diameter, into the axilla. The end of the ruler was covered with a folded piece of lint. The pressure thus exerted stopped the pulse instantly. The hands of the assistant, who was holding the ruler, were not in the leiist in the way, as they were at the distant end. The advantages of this plan appear to me to be very great. I found it easy and most effectual. It does not tire, the assistant's hands, although it enables him to use great force ; it does not interfere with respiration, and a jet of blood (in tying small arteries) can be elicited in almost no time and stopped with equal quickness
disadvantages and difficulties of controlling the ftubclaaxillary artery in the ordinary way are too well known require enumeration here. Suffice it to say, the use of the
The
Tian
or
to ruler avoids them all. I write to you to
any of your readers, who may may try it. Of course, it is the upper limb. The most available in all inexperienced person can hold the ruler.
have
an
suggest to that they amputations of
opportunity,
as
writing the above I have discovered that the mentioned, will easily stop the pulse ia
above
persons.
