A museum-quality professional craniotomy set by the prestigious V. Mueller & Co., Chicago. This comprehensive collection represents the height of mid-century neurosurgical precision. At its centre is the classic Hudson Cranial Brace, complete with a full suite of specialised burrs and drill bits, all stamped with the V. Mueller hallmark.
 
Uniquely, this set includes a rare, unspent 6-yard roll of McKenzie Brain Wire with its original handwritten label, alongside a professional Gigli wire saw with T-handles and a supplementary fitment by Chas. F. Thackray of Leeds. This collection offers a visceral look into the history of brain surgery, preserved in exceptional condition with its original chrome-plated finishes. A cornerstone archive for any serious medical museum or private collection of surgical history. The brain wire was fed through the cylindrical handles, the chain between the handles was just to keep the handles together, the Gigli Saw is stamped for Allen & Hanburys London; a catalogue page taken from an early Mueller catalogue and shown here gives a view of how the Gigli Saw was used. There is a metal manufacturers plaque inside the lid.
 
Condition Report:
Instruments are in excellent professional condition with only very minor tarnish. The chrome plating is bright and clean. The Hudson brace mechanism is smooth. Original card label on the McKenzie wire is intact.
 
Trepanning, or trephination, was the surgical practice of drilling or scraping a hole in the skull, which was used for various purposes throughout history, including treating head injuries, epilepsy, and mental illness. While the practice dates back to ancient times, it largely fell out of favour during the 19th century due to high mortality rates and a growing understanding of infection and antisepsis. Similar procedures are still used today in modern neurosurgery to relieve intracranial pressure, but under much more controlled and sterile conditions.
 
The case measures 26.5 x 13 x 6cm approximately (10" x 5" x 2.36").
 
Please note: Theses item are sold as a historical collectible and is not intended for medical use.