Therapeutics of the circulation / by Sir Lauder Brunton.

  • Lauder Brunton
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Therapeutics of the circulation / by Sir Lauder Brunton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    135/568 page 107
    Method of using Sphygmomanometers.— In using a bulb apparatus, such as von Basch’s or Potain’s, the bulb is simply placed on the radial artery as it passes over the radius and com¬ pressed with the index finger, while the pulse nearer the hand-is felt with the middle finger. The bulb is then pressed until the pulse ceases to be felt, and the pressure is read off on the index. Instead of using two fingers of the same hand it is better to compress the bulb with the . finger of one hand and to feel the pulse with the finger of another, while the artery beyond can be compressed with a third finger. When the bulb consists of different thicknesses of india- rubber, the thicker part ought to be placed outside and the thinner part next the artery. The hand should be kept at the level of the heart. Fallacies in using Bulb Instruments.—Un¬ less the elastic bulb is placed over the end of the radius so that the arteries can be compressed between it and the bulb, and not over the soft tissues, too high a reading is obtained. If the palmar arch is dilated the recurrent pulse through it from the ulnar arteries may cause the pulse to be felt after the radial has been completely compressed by the bulb. To avoid this, the palpating finger should be placed on the radial artery with the tip pointing upwards. Any recurrent pulse is then stopped by the pulp of the finger, and the central radial pulse is felt by the finger-tip. Instead of this, two fingers may be used, as already mentioned. Armlet Sphygmomanometers. — In using these, the armlet is fastened round the arm and
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