Tubbs-type mitral valve dilator

Mitral valve dilator Tubbs type (transventricular) by

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Mitral valve dilator Tubbs type (transventricular) by
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Mitral valve dilator Tubbs type (transventricular) by Genito-Urinary Manufacturing Co., English, 1961-1970

This instrument was used to open a restricted or damaged mitral valve in the heart caused by inherited defects, old age or disease. If damaged, the mitral valve can allow blood to flow in two directions instead of one, causing blood to collect in the lungs. This causes breathing problems and eventually heart failure. This dilator was designed to be inserted into the closed up mitral valve during open heart surgery. When the handle is pushed the dilator expands to 45 mm wide.

The instrument is named after the cardiothoracic surgeon Oswald Sydney Tubbs (1908-1993). The Tubbs dilator continues to be popular today.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600299
Materials:
complete and steel (nickel plated)
Measurements:
overall: 22 mm x 212 mm x 165 mm, 0.2 kg
type:
dilator
credit:
Genito-Urinary Manufacturing Company