Smellie Perforator

Description

Smellie Perforator

The Smellie perforator is a 25 cm scissor-type historical obstetric instrument. It once served in craniotomy after fetal death.

Scissor-type action

As a scissor-type instrument, it works with a scissor action rather than a single fixed point. So it differs from some other perforator patterns of the same period. Also, the design reflects how instrument makers of that era approached the task in hand.

Historical role

In earlier centuries, obstructed labor after fetal death had few safe solutions. Then craniotomy allowed delivery while protecting the mother. Today, modern obstetrics and cesarean delivery have replaced it.

Teaching use

Now the instrument appears mainly in teaching and historical collections. For example, a medical history course may use it to discuss how obstetric practice looked before modern surgery. In addition, collectors pair it with the Naegele pattern.

Size

At 25 cm, the Smellie perforator fits a standard instrument case. Therefore, it stores easily with other historical obstetric items in a single case. However, keep its points covered whenever it sits in storage.

Cleaning Smellie perforator

Open the blades fully and clean between them with a soft brush. Next, rinse, dry and apply a light instrument lubricant to the pivot. Finally, store it closed inside a protective sleeve.

Smellie perforator specifications

• Length: 25 cm
• Scissor-type perforator
• Historical obstetric instrument
• For teaching and historical collections

Supply and warranty

If your instrument shows a manufacturing defect within three years, we will put it right. Then our Atlanta office checks every order before dispatch. So check our FAQs for cleaning and shipping details. Read ASTM F899 to learn about instrument-grade steel. For a second pattern, see our Naegele perforator. Beyond this item, browse our gynecology and obstetrics instruments.

For professional use only. See our care and sterilization guide for notes on photos and materials, and our returns policy before you order.