Medical equipment is often something that people take for granted. We see doctors and nurses using all sorts of machines and gadgets to help them diagnose and treat patients, but we rarely stop to think about where this technology comes from. In this blog post, we will look at some of the strangest medical devices used in medicine throughout history. Some of these devices are still in use today, while others have been long forgotten. So without further ado, let’s look at 10 of the strangest medical devices ever used!
The definition of medical equipment
First, let’s start with a definition. Medical equipment is any device or appliance used to diagnose, treat, or prevent illness or injury. This can include simple tools like stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs to more complex machines like MRI scanners and defibrillators. Medical equipment can be found in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and even people’s homes.
Some medical equipment is used for diagnoses, such as X-ray and ultrasound machines. Medical equipment is used for treatment, such as dialysis machines and ventilators. And still, other medical equipment is used for prevention, such as vaccines and blood pressure monitors. No matter what its purpose, medical equipment plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and safe.
Now that we know what medical equipment is, let’s look at some of the strangest examples!
The Ten Strangest medical equipment used in medicine
Number one on our list is the trephine. This strange-looking device was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to remove small pieces of skulls from a patient’s head. The trephine consisted of a sharp, circular blade turned by a hand crank. The doctor would insert the knife into the patient’s skull and then turn the crank, which would cause the blade to cut out a small circle of bone. The trephine was used to treat various conditions, including epilepsy, insanity, and migraines.
Gavage
Next on our list is the gavage. This gruesome-looking device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to force-feed patients. The gavage consisted of a long, thin tube inserted through the patient’s nose and throat. A funnel was then attached to the end of the tube, and liquid food or medicine would be poured into the funnel. This feeding method was used on patients who were too ill to eat on their own and on prisoners on hunger strikes.
Enema syringe
If the gavage sounds terrible, wait until you hear about the enema syringe! This strange device was used to inject liquids into the rectum and colon. The enema syringe consisted of a long, thin tube with a plunger at one end. The other end of the tube was inserted into the patient’s rectum, and the plunger was used to inject the liquid. Enemas were used for various purposes, including constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal cleansing.
Artificial leech
Next on our list is the artificial leech. This strange device was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to remove blood from a patient’s body. The synthetic sponge consisted of a long, thin tube with a suction cup at the end. The suction cup was placed on the patient’s skin, and the tube was used to draw blood. Artificial leeches treat conditions such as anemia, hysteria, and migraines.
Cautery iron
If you thought the artificial leech was terrible, wait until you hear about the cautery iron! This strange device was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to burn or sear flesh. The cautery iron consisted of a metal rod heated in a fire and then pressed against the skin. The heat from the cautery iron would cauterize the wound, stopping the bleeding. Cautery irons were used to treat various conditions, including hemorrhoids, warts, and tumors.
Vaginal speculum
Next on our list is the vaginal speculum. This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to examine the vagina and cervix. The vaginal speculum consisted of a metal or wooden frame with two hinged blades. The blades were inserted into the vagina, and the structure was opened to widen the vaginal opening. This allowed the doctor to examine the vagina and cervix for signs of disease.
Rectal dilator
If you thought the vaginal speculum was terrible, wait until you hear about the rectal dilator! This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to dilate the rectum. The rectal dilator consisted of a metal or wooden rod with a tapered end. The rectal dilator was inserted into the rectum, and the pointed end was widened to Dilate the rectum. This allowed the doctor to examine the rectum for signs of disease.
Tongue depressor
Next on our list is the tongue depressor. This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to depress the tongue. The tongue depressor consisted of a metal or wooden rod with a blunt end. The tongue depressor was inserted into the mouth, and the sharp end was used to depress the tongue. This allowed the doctor to examine the throat for signs of disease.
Ear speculum
If you thought the tongue depressor was terrible, wait until you hear about the ear speculum! This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to examine the ear. The ear speculum consisted of a metal or wooden frame with two hinged blades. The blades were inserted into the ear, and the structure was opened to widen the ear canal. This allowed the doctor to examine the ear for signs of disease.
Urethral sounds
Next on our list is the urethral sounds. This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to dilate the urethra. The urethral sounds consisted of a metal or wooden rod with a tapered end. The urethral sounds were inserted into the urethra, and the pointed end was widened to Dilate the urethra. This allowed the doctor to examine the urethra for signs of disease.
Rectal probe
If you thought the urethral sounds were terrible, wait until you hear about the rectal probe! This strange device was used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to examine the rectum. The rectal examination consisted of a metal or wooden rod with a blunt end. The rectal probe was inserted into the rectum, and the abrupt ending was used to probe the rectum. This allowed the doctor to examine the rectum for signs of disease.
So there you have it, ten of the strangest medical devices used in medicine. What do you think? Are you glad we’ve come a long way since then?
Modern-day medical equipment needs
While many of these devices are no longer used, there is still a need for quality medical equipment. If you are in the market for purchasing your medical equipment, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable dealer. At Yes Med, we offer a wide variety of medical equipment. We offer a price match guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal on the market. Visit our website today to learn more!
