Local Anaesthetic Syringe

1900-1960

What is this equipment?

This is a Local anaesthetic infiltration syringe. It is chrome plated, with an included nozzle and pin. It is stored in a metal sterilisable case. This syringe was manufactured by Thackray, Leeds, dated from early to mid-20th century. It was the property of Harold Gillies, and marked with his stencilled initials "H.D.G" on the lid.

What does it do?

Fitted with a hypodermic needle, these syringes are used to deliver local anaesthetic solution directly into the tissues. A disposable glass cartridge of local anaesthetic was loaded into the syringe. The vial had a fixed rubber bung at one end which is pierced by the rear end of the needle. The metal plunger would then push a rubber bung down the vial, dispensing the anaesthetic. In Gillies’ day, this would be lidocaine.

Significance to plastic surgery

Local anaesthesia involves numbing the area or region of the body (such as a whole limb) being operated upon. It is usually employed for less extensive operations in place of putting the patient to sleep (general anaesthesia). It is also used to provide post operative pain relief for a patient even if they have been put to sleep for a procedure. It is a very common way in which plastic surgeons undertake operations on the skin, for example removing skin lesions and cancers.

This object represents the efforts to design a practical method for administering local anaesthesia before the era of fully disposable, plastic syringes and hypodermic needles. As with this example, surgeons like Harold Gillies, pioneer plastic surgeon, would often own and use personal equipment.

Contributor: Idil Longe