Blood Letting Fleam French Brass

This collapsible implement was used by veterinarians for bleeding, it was a portable instrument used to perform bloodletting on large animals. Portable venipuncture device that first appeared in Anglo-Saxon manuscripts around the year 1000. The name "fleam" is probably derived from sandfly: phlebos, Greek for blood vessel, and tome, meaning to cut. These instruments are the successors of the ancient early use of fish teeth, sharp stones and thorns used to penetrate blood vessels. The earliest known examples are made of bronze and the blade is shaped like a myrtle leaf. In the 17th and 18th centuries the German flietes and the French flamettes were developed. These devices with their right-angled blades are early forms of what collectors now refer to as a fleam. Fleams (in gold) are depicted on the flag of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland.

Although there are reports of this type of instrument being used on humans, it is more likely that they were reserved for veterinary use, while the common thumb lancet was the instrument of choice for use on people. These instruments with their triangular shaped blades were designed to be placed over the vein (most commonly the jugular or saphenous vein) and struck with a lancet stick. This would ideally result in rapid penetration of the vein with minimal risk to the operator and minimal dissection of the subcutaneous tissues. This last point was considered important to minimize the formation of a dissecting hematoma. Once the desired blood had been drained from the patient, the operator would place a pin through the edges of the incision.

Important: This is an old tool, exactly the same as you see in the photos.

Materials:
Blade: carbon steel.
Handle: brass.
Lock System: friction.

Measurements:
Blade: 85 mm. (47 mm. edge)
Overall: 205 mm.
Closed: 125 mm.
Tickness: 2 mm.
Weight: 45 grs.

Made in France.