Duke Inhaler
The Duke Inhaler was invented by Dr. C. Ronald Stephen in the early 1950s. It was made by Ayerst Laboratories specifically to use that company's brand of trichloroethylene, "Trilene". This drug provides a light level of unconsciousness, and wears off quickly, so it was recommended only for analgesia (pain relief), not anesthesia. This made it a logical choice for ambulatory (out-patient) surgeries and for women in labor. The inhaler was held by the patient, who could easily operate the control switch with his or her thumb. It was simple enough, and small enough, for children to use as well. It is equipped with a bracelet, so that the patient could let go without dropping it on the floor.
Donated by Rafael Achachar, M.D.
Catalog Record: Duke Inhaler
Access Key: aijx
Accession No.: 2010-02-15-1 H
Title: The ” Duke” University Inhaler, for use with “Trilene” / [designed by George W. Newton and C. Ronald Stephen].
Author: Newton, George W.
Author: Stephen, C. Ronald (Charles Ronald), 1916-2006.
Title variation: Alt Title
Title: Duke inhaler, model M
Title variation: Alt Title
Title: Duke Model M Trilene inhaler.
Title variation: Alt Title
Title: Therapeutic inhaler.
Publisher: New York : Ayerst Laboratories, [1952?].
Physical Descripttion: 1 inhaler : rubber, leather, nickel or chrome plated metal ; 13 x 7 x 4.5 cm.
Subject: Inhalers, Anesthesia.
Subject: Nonrebreathing Valves.
Subject: Analgesia, Obstetrical.
Subject: Anesthesia, Obstetrical.
Subject: Trichloroethylene.
Subject: Self Administration.
Subject: Anesthesia, Inhalation.
Note Type: General
Notes: Title from markings on inhaler.
Note Type: With
Notes: With a cardboard box, 9.5 x 15.5 x 14.5 cm, that is labeled on the outside
and inside, and also contains two instruction leaflets, for the inhaler and
for Trilene.
Note Type: Citation
Notes: Newton GW, Stephen CR, inventors; American Home Products Inc, assignee.
Therapeutic inhaler. US patent 2,677,370. May 4, 1954.
Note Type: Citation
Notes: Shephard, DAE, Chalklin J, Pope F. An Exhibit of Inhalers and Vaporizers,
1847ñ1968: Illustrating Aspects of the Evolution of Inhalation Anesthesia and
Analgesia from Ether to Methoxyflurane: Artifacts from the Canadian
Anesthesiologistsí Society Archives. Ottawa: Canadian Anesthesiologistsí
Society Archives; June 20ñ22, 2003:8.
Note Type: Physical Description
Notes: A light-weight, cylindrical, nickel plated inhaler with black rubber oronasal
mask, gray leather wrist strap, and a vapor concentration key; The body of
the inhaler is cylindrical with a short elliptic-cylindrical side arm or
outlet near the top for connection with the face mask; The mask has wear, and
the rubber is dry and cracking; Also near the top of the body of the inhaler
is a molded, red, plastic thumb-piece to adjust the proportioning valve that
controls the air intake and vapor concentration; Notches along the
thumb-piece mark concentrations; The upper and lower end-notches are marked,
“MIN” and “MAX”; At the bottom of the inhaler is a piece, marked “FILL”, that
can be removed for filling and servicing; A key, of simple form, hangs from a
nickel plated bead chain; The chain hangs near the base of the side outlet;
The end of the bead chain holds the leather wrist-strap; The top end of the
inhaler is perforated with approximately 12 holes; An oxygen inlet tube
protrudes from the base of the side outlet, near the body of the inhaler.
Markings on inhaler include: ‘The “Duke” [registered trademark symbol]
University Inhaler for use with “Trilene” [new line] US Pat. No. 2,677,370
[new line] CO93467’.
Note Type: Reproduction
Notes: Photographed by Mr. William Lyle July 13, 2010; The mask in these photographs
is from a different Duke inhaler kit, as the mask from the kit described in
this record is not in as good condition.
Note Type: Acquisition
Notes: Donated to the WLM by Raphael Achecar, M.D.
Note Type: Historical
Notes: The Duke inhaler, a ‘draw over’ and a nonrebreathing inhaler, allowed for the
self administration of anesthesia. The wrist strap was applied to the patient
to hold the inhaler near the patient when not in use or during periods of
decreased consciousness. The concentration of Trilene did not exceed 0.3 to 0
5 % (Shephard, Chalklin, Pope, 2003; Newton, Stephen, 1954). The Duke inhaler
was very popular for obstetrical discomfort.