Murless head extractor; obstetrical vectis, England c. 1948-1980
The Murless head extractor is a lever-type instrument. It alters the position of the baby’s head. It is a contemporary variation of a simple obstetrical instrument called a vectis. However, the Murless head extractor is specifically used in caesarean section operations. It is named after its inventor, B. C. Murless, of Durban in South Africa. He devised the instrument in 1948. It is still used. Obstetrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the care of pregnant women, childbirth and recovery after childbirth.
Object number:
1989-790
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: obstetrics
A branch of medicine dealing with the care of women. This care occurs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the period of recovery from childbirth.
Glossary: Caesarian section
A caesarean section is a common surgical procedure. Incisions are made through a pregnant woman's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby.
Glossary: obstetrical vectis
A simple instrument resembling a single blade of an obstetric forceps. It is used during childbirth to assist the delivery of an obstructed foetus. Also known as ‘levers’.