Intubation of the larynx / by James B. Ball.

  • Ball, James B. (James Barry), 1849-1926.
Date:
1891
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Intubation of the larynx / by James B. Ball. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

    17/102 (page 5)
    In 1844 two cases of catheterism of the larynx for the relief of dyspnoea were published by Lallemand, of Mont- pellier. In 1855 Eeybard read a paper, at the French Academy of Medicine, on catheterism of the larynx in croup. He speaks of it as a method of relieving the dyspnoea, not employed, yet quite simple. He used a gum-elastic catheter with two large eyes, and either left it in place or introduced it from time to time. He cites no cases. In 1858 Bouchut read a paper at the French Academy of Medicine, entitled D'une Noiivelle Methode de Traite- ment de Group par le Tubage du Larynx.* The method consisted essentially of placing in the glottis a small tube by which respiration could be carried on. Bouchut^s operation possesses a special interest as being the first attempt at intubation proper, as distinguished from catheterism. In a subsequent discussion on his paper he insisted on the distinction l)etween his method and catheterism. The latter operation, he stated, he had himself successfully adopted in a case of acute laryngeal dyspnoea, several years previously. The instruments employed by Bouchut, which were figured in the journals of the day, and illustrations of which are reproduced (Fig. 1), consisted of a straight cylindrical silver tube, 1| to 2 centimetres long, and 7 millimetres in diameter, but narrower at the lower end than the upper; the upper end was provided with two circular prominences, placed 6 millimetres apart, between which the vocal cords rested when in position ; the upper edge was pierced with a hole for the attachment of a silk thread, which was brought out at the mouth, and was in- tended to prevent the tube going down the trachea or oesophagus, and to enable it to be taken out when neces- sary ; a curved sound, open at each end, which served for the introduction of the tube into the larynx j a metal ring to protect the index-finger and keep the teeth apart. * ' Bulletin de rAciidemic/ vol. xxiii, p. 1160.