Anest. intenziv. Med. 2014;25(1):68-71

Karl Koller - the discoverer of the local anaestheticproperties of cocain, was born in Susice! A short history of local anaestheticsHistory

Horáček Michal1,*, Gimunová Olga2, Gimunová Tereza3, Vymazal Tomáš1
1 Klinika anesteziologie, resuscitace a intenzivní medicíny 2. lékařské fakulty Univerzity Karlovyve Fakultní nemocnici v Motole, Praha
2 Klinika anesteziologie, resuscitace a intenzivní medicíny Lékařské fakulty Masarykovy univerzityve Fakultní nemocnici Brno
3 Geografický ústav Přírodovědecké fakulty Masarykovy univerzity, Brno

A memorial plaque has been ceremonially set up on the native house of Doctor Karl Koller in Sušice in South-Western Bohemia on the 2nd of December 2012 to mark Dr Koller's 155th birth anniversary on the 3rd of December 1857. After completing his studies, Dr Koller worked as an ophthalmologist in Vienna where he discovered the local anaesthetic action of cocaine. However, shortly afterwards he was forced to leave Vienna and settle in the USA to continue his career in ophthalmic medicine. Cocaine was applied not only topically but was also used in other techniques of regional anaesthesia. It is a toxic and addictive substance. Nowadays it has been replaced by safer and more efficient drugs.

Keywords: cocaine; Karl Koller; local anaesthetics

Received: March 14, 2013; Accepted: July 20, 2013; Published: February 1, 2014  Show citation

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Horáček M, Gimunová O, Gimunová T, Vymazal T. Karl Koller - the discoverer of the local anaestheticproperties of cocain, was born in Susice! A short history of local anaesthetics. Anest. intenziv. Med. 2014;25(1):68-71.
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    References

    1. Myer, L. Carl Koller: Mankind's greatest benefactor? The story of local anesthesia. Journal of Dental Research, 1998, 77, 4, p. 535-538. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    2. Lindqvist, K., Sundling, S. Xylocaine - a discovery - a drama - an industry. Astra: Södertälje, Švédsko 1993.
    3. Albright, G. A. Cardiac arrest following regional anesthesia with etidocaine or bupivacaine. Anesthesiology, 1979, 51, 4, p. 285-287. Go to original source... Go to PubMed...

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