Description

An antique Delafoy Aspirator a system designed for relieving fluid build up in the body, principally in the bladder and a significant surgical advance at the time, dating from the 19th century.

The Aspirateur Delafoy also known as the Aspirateur Dieulafoy refers to the vacuum (aspiration) apparatus invented by the French physician Georges Dieulafoy (1839–1911) in 1869. The introduction of Dieulafoy’s aspirator was a big step forwards affording a safe and practical method of giving temporary relief, by tapping the bladder suprapubically leading to the end of the dangerous practice of Trocar bladder drainage.

This example is in a leather case and is almost complete, it has the six needles and one space, these are retained on a felt base which lifts off to access a small space beneath. The case has a padded silk lid and felt needle base and the rest is red leather, the case is solid. The syringe is made from nickel plated brass, there is some minor wear to the nickel plating.

The drawing is taken from a 19th century surgical instrument catalogue and is included to show how this item was designed to function. This is untested and is offered as a medical curiosity.

The case measures 25.5 x 11.5 x 4.2cm (10″ x 4.5″ x 1.75″).

An example of a closely similar item is included in the Science Museum Collection in London and can be viewed via the link below.

https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co177140/dieulafoys-aspirator