On the treatment of aneurism by manipulation / by William Fergusson.

  • Fergusson, William.
Date:
[1857]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the treatment of aneurism by manipulation / by William Fergusson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    every one who lias given even slight attention to this subject knows how these cures are brought about, or are supposed to be so, by nature. The theory, if I may so call it, of the process of cure in such cases is so simple patho¬ logically, and at the same time admirably demonstrative, that, in so far as I am aware, an objection has never once been raised to those views which are usually included under the “ natural means ” whereby this formidable disease occa¬ sionally disappears as it were spontaneously. It is generally allowed that if the current of blood passing through an aneurism be in any way diminished in bulk or force, there is a tendency to a diminution in the size of the tumour, and to the cure of the disease; the latter being effected partly, perhaps, by the contraction of tissues, but chiefly by deposit of fibrin, which is more likely to take place under such circumstances than when the blood courses along in a full and impetuous stream. The results of the Hunterian operation have given ample proof on this subject; for the circulation through an aneurism has fre¬ quently been noticed after ligature of the main artery, yet in due time it has gradually and permanently ceased. Modern experience of the treatment by pressure has also amply proved that aneurism may be cured, even rapidly, by simply diminishing the force and current of the circulation through the main artery leading to the disease. The modification of the operation of Brasdor, as inculcated by Mr. Wardrop, was founded on this view; and it seems proved by the results of the operations performed by that gentleman, and those who have repeated his practice, that the application of a ligature on the distal end of an artery affected with aneurism, although it may not entirely stop the circulation through the disease, may so modify its force and volume as to permit those changes above alluded to, to take place, which lead to a cure. So thoroughly is the pathologist aware of the fact that the cure of aneurism is effected chiefly by the deposit of fibrin, and thereby the blocking up of the cavity of the aneurismal sac, so that fluid blood can no longer flow