Description

A scarce example  of a C1920s Patterson Circular Foreign-Body Fluoroscope. It is complete and in nice condition,noting that one of the supports for the glass has separated (the glass remains securely in the frame)  and that  the exterior of the case shows evidence of use–see images. Length of instrument assembled, as shown in second image: 15″ or 37.5cm

The Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity’s  [ their example is incomplete] site notes: ” This circular hand-held fluoroscope was manufactured by the Patterson Screen Company of Towanda, Pennsylvania, probably in the 1920s. At the time, Patterson screens were the recognized standard in the U.S.After dark adapting the eyes, and with the beam on, the physician would position themselves on the opposite side of the patient from the X-ray tube and view the image produced on the fluorescent screen of the fluoroscope.”

“Quoting the manufacturer’s literature: “The Patterson Foreign Body Fluoroscope  was developed from a suggestion and with the co-operation of Dr. Robert A. Arens, who in his work at the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, felt the need of a small fluoroscope that could be used when removing a foreign body with the aid of X-rays. After a foreign body has been located and its removal is anticipated on the fluoroscopic table, it is very inconvenient for the operator to work under the large fluoroscopic screen. We felt this condition warranted the manufacture of the Patterson Foreign Body Fluoroscope… The apparatus has been made small and circular so that instruments can be used around and under it conveniently… A magnifying glass is mounted above the screen on an adjustable post which may be of assistance when removing small parts like a needle point. The fluoroscope can be used without the lens if desired.”