University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Diagnostic & Treatment Artifacts
Classification
Dermatology
Accession Number
1978.2.5 a-b
Description
A black box (a) has cables connected to it; the end of one cable has a probe (?) and the end of another cable has a round, black, footswitch; empty small tan paper envelope (b) while the contents should be a tissue dessication needle.
A black box (a) has cables connected to it; the end of one cable has a probe (?) and the end of another cable has a round, black, footswitch; empty small tan paper envelope (b) while the contents should be a tissue dessication needle.
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source: Mrs. Freeman of Willowdale, Ont.
Printed on envelope (b): "No. 716 // BIRTCHER // TISSUE DESICCATION NEEDLE // The enclosed needle will be found valuable where it is desirable // to puncture the tissue to a greater depth than is possible with // the curved needle regularly supplied with the "Hyfrecator". After // needle is inserted to desired depth, depress footswitch .... then // move needle slightly in a circular motion as though endeavoring // to enlarge the hole made by it. This hastens, and allows for more // even distribution of, the desiccation. // Before attempting to use your "HYFRECATOR" kindly // read "OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS" booklet carefully. // THE BIRTCHER CORPORATION // 5087 Huntington Drive Los Angeles 2, California, U.S.A."
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F5-4
(b) - Storage Room 0010
0010-G Business Correspondence and Invoices Binder pg. 1 b
Copy Type
Original
Reference Comments
Wikipedia
Research Facts
A hyfrecator is a low-powered medical apparatus used in electrosurgery on conscious patients, usually in an office setting. It is used to destroy tissue directly, and to stop bleeding during minor surgery.
The word hyfrecator is a portmanteau derived from “high-frequency eradicator.” It was introduced as a brand name for a device introduced in 1940 by the Birtcher Corporation of Los Angeles.[1] Birtcher also trademark registered the name Hyfrecator in 1939, and rights to the registered trademark were acquired by ConMed Corporation when it acquired Birtcher in 1995.