A third hand for the laser surgeon - New instrument improves performance and safety

Whenever two workpieces have to be worked on with a tool at the same time, like soldering two cables, it would be much easier, if the craftsman not only had two, but three hands. The same problem arises in laser surgery, especially when the laser beam is applied via an operation microscope, as in laser microlaryngoscopy. Since tissue, which is to be removed, is cut much better, when some mechanical stretching is exerted, an instrument is needed for holding the tissue, another for spreading it from the remaining organ. Once these two instruments are put in action, the surgeon directs the laser beam by means of a micromanipulator in order to perform the incision. However, the three actions are only possible at the same time, when holding and stretching of the tissue is performed with one instrument. A new spreading forceps is demonstrated, which allows holding and spreading of the tissue at the same time, activated with one hand, while the other precisely directs the laser beam. A case is shown, where a cys...