Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gxg78 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T06:23:05.651Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Draffin and his rods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

J. D. Courtnay Bennett
Affiliation:
Bamstaple
J. Riddington Young*
Affiliation:
Bamstaple
*
Mr J. Riddington Young, T.D., F.R.C.S., Consultant Otolaryngologist, Raleigh Park. Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4JB.

Abstract

Draffin's rods or bipods are now a well-known, internationally accepted ENT instrument. Before their invention in 1951, the attendant anaesthetist or nurse was obliged to support the mouthgag during tonsillectomy.

Research into the life of their originator, David Alexander Draffin, reveals that in addition to his evident design skills, he was a surgeon of courage, wit and great charm.

Type
Historical article
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Chevretton, E. B., Morrison, G. A. J. (1991) The hayfork: an aid to safer tonsillectomy. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 105: 33.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Draffin, D. A. (1951) A useful bipod. British Medical Journal, 2: 5253.Google ScholarPubMed
Priest, B. 1979 Dr D. A. Draffin. Dunkirk Veterans' Association Journal, 23: 3839.Google Scholar
Proctor, D. F. (1957) Anaesthesia & Otolaryngology. Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore, p. 89.Google Scholar