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328 The Ellik Evacuator: Evolution in emptying
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The Ellik Evacuator: Evolution in emptying Eur Urol Suppl 2014;13;e328
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Tasleem A.M., Khan F., Mahmalji W., Madaan S., Dickinson I., Sriprasad S. Darent Valley Hospital, Dept. of Urology, Dartford, United Kingdom INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Dr Milo Ellik was a surgeon and resident in the USA between 1905 and 1976. He worked under Dr Nathan G. Alcock and Dr Rubin H. Flocks who had pioneered transurethral resection of the prostate after developing a novel urology program at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1915. We discover the story behind the Ellik and modern day evacuator systems synonymous with prostate surgery utilised in many departments to this day. MATERIAL & METHODS: A literature search using the University of Iowa online archives and Wellcome History of Medicine library was undertaken alongside internet searches. RESULTS: Prior to the glass bulb and red-rubber device invented by Ellik in 1937, the Davis evacuator was used to remove calculi fragments. It is postulated that Ellik was persuaded by his mentor Alcok to visit the chemistry department glass-blowing shop where he invented his evacuator. Unfortunately, he never patented his invention which was later copied and patented by Bard, the surgical company in 1940, who still make the Ellik in one of its many modern incarnations. The physical principles of settlement of material in the lower of two linked chambers once siphoned from the bladder, and vacuum suctioning using negative pressure gradients created by re-inflation of the rubber pump remain true today. A multitude of other instruments were devised or adapted by Ellik including stone baskets, loop stone dislodger, meatotome, and sound. CONCLUSIONS: The significant contribution of Ellik and his colleagues to modern day urological practise through innovation and technological advancement are recognised by the prevalence and widespread use of his invention.
The Ellik Evacuator: Evolution in emptying Eur Urol Suppl 2014;13;e328
Print! Print!
Tasleem A.M., Khan F., Mahmalji W., Madaan S., Dickinson I., Sriprasad S. Darent Valley Hospital, Dept. of Urology, Dartford, United Kingdom INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Dr Milo Ellik was a surgeon and resident in the USA between 1905 and 1976. He worked under Dr Nathan G. Alcock and Dr Rubin H. Flocks who had pioneered transurethral resection of the prostate after developing a novel urology program at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1915. We discover the story behind the Ellik and modern day evacuator systems synonymous with prostate surgery utilised in many departments to this day. MATERIAL & METHODS: A literature search using the University of Iowa online archives and Wellcome History of Medicine library was undertaken alongside internet searches. RESULTS: Prior to the glass bulb and red-rubber device invented by Ellik in 1937, the Davis evacuator was used to remove calculi fragments. It is postulated that Ellik was persuaded by his mentor Alcok to visit the chemistry department glass-blowing shop where he invented his evacuator. Unfortunately, he never patented his invention which was later copied and patented by Bard, the surgical company in 1940, who still make the Ellik in one of its many modern incarnations. The physical principles of settlement of material in the lower of two linked chambers once siphoned from the bladder, and vacuum suctioning using negative pressure gradients created by re-inflation of the rubber pump remain true today. A multitude of other instruments were devised or adapted by Ellik including stone baskets, loop stone dislodger, meatotome, and sound. CONCLUSIONS: The significant contribution of Ellik and his colleagues to modern day urological practise through innovation and technological advancement are recognised by the prevalence and widespread use of his invention.