A history of injection treatments - I the syringe.

Introduction The syringe has become an indispensable instrument for many aspects of interventional medicine and everyday practice. Methods To trace the evolution of the syringe from ancient times to the present, using the internet for past documentation and the literature. Conclusion The syringe has long been used for aspiration, irrigation and infusion. This developed into injections for early transfusion, anaesthesia and surgical procedures including venous sclerotherapy. Syringes have been adapted for use to inject specific drugs.