Historical information

"Potential blockage in the Fallopian tubes was assessed using this apparatus. It was developed by American gynaecologist Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958). It blows carbon dioxide, via a cannula, into the uterus. The ease with which gas escaped through the Fallopian tubes was reflected by pressure changes on an instrument called a manometer. Blockage of the tubes is often due to previous infection or surgery. It is a common cause of infertility.

Rubin’s test formed a standard part of infertility investigations for many years. It was gradually replaced by an X-ray technique involving radio-opaque ‘dye’ injected into the uterus."
Source: Science Museum Group. Rubin’s apparatus for uterotubal insufflation, New York, United States, 1928. A639503Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed 12 June 2024. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co96774/rubins-apparatus-for-uterotubal-insufflation-new-york-united-states-1928-tubal-insufflator.

Model may be dated c1919 or 1920s or 1930s. 1919 was the year Isidor Clinton Rubin (1883-1958) introduced the apparatus.

Instrumant has a label with Cyrus Jones monogram " Donated by Dr Lorna Lloyd Green, 1986/ Rubin's Insufflator/ NB "sparklet holder separate" missing?

Physical description

Rubin's tubal insufflator apparatus, large cylidrical glass canister inside a portable carry box with two doors with three glass nozzels at top with long rubber tubing attached on each. One surigical steel introducer, one glass introducer attached. A blood pressure manometer is fixed on the inside door.