Maxwell's Artificial Pneumothorax Apparatus
Object numberED.CS.2025.51
TitleMaxwell's Artificial Pneumothorax Apparatus
CreatorGenito Urinary Manufacturing (Manufacturer)
DescriptionMaxwell Box, used to be used to create artificial pneumothoraces (controlled collapse of the lungs) for the treatment of tuberculosis. Before a TB vaccination was in place, "Collapse Therapy" was used to treat patients with the condition. This therapy aimed to induce a pneumothorax, (collapsed lung), in order to give the lungs some rest. The artificial pneumothorax instrument enabled the physician to pump air into the serous lining of the lungs, increasing the pressure, and resulting in a compression of the lungs. A needle/trocar was inserted into the chest and air was introduced whilst measuring the pressures and hence controlling the amount of collapse allowed.
Upright wooden box with a metal handle at the top. The lid opens and the front of the box swings open. Inside is a metal cylander pump attached via rubber tubing via a valve. The valve face and the inside of the lid read ''Genito-urinary MFG Co. LTD.' 'Theatre 5' has been scratched into the lid'.
Production placeLondon
Production date 1900 - 1940
Production periodTwentieth century, early
SubjectTUBERCULOSIS
Object nameINSTRUMENT
Object categoryINSTRUMENT
Dimensions
- Height: 24 cm
Width: 18.5 cm
Depth: 11 cm