Looking for help regarding decapod microsurgery

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tex the Knife
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the challenges of performing microsurgery on young male decapods weighing between 0.3g and 0.5g, specifically regarding the difficulty in gripping and extracting the vas deferens using forceps sized 0.05mm x 0.2mm. The user, Tex, highlights issues with the current forceps slipping and bending, and seeks recommendations for better tools or techniques. Suggestions include exploring products from Fine Science Tools (FST) and WPI, considering the use of a micromanipulator, and evaluating micro-suctioning devices or small-vessel cauterizers for tissue management.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of microsurgical techniques and tools
  • Familiarity with dissection microscopes
  • Knowledge of forceps specifications and their applications in microsurgery
  • Experience with live specimen handling and tissue manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific forceps designed for microsurgery on small specimens
  • Investigate micromanipulators suitable for delicate tissue work
  • Explore micro-suctioning devices and their impact on live tissue
  • Learn about small-vessel cauterizers and their applications in microsurgery
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, microsurgeons, and biologists involved in the dissection and manipulation of small live specimens, particularly those working with decapods or similar organisms.

Tex the Knife
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I'm doing microsurgery on young, live male decapods (.3g-.5g) and am having trouble finding forceps that will grip and extract the vas deferens through muscle tissue without slipping. The forceps I am now using have a straight tip (.05mm x .2mm) and are the perfect size. While I am comfortable working with a dissection microscope, getting used to forceps this small has been an obstacle. Even with a light touch the vas deferens slips through the tips, and the slightest bump against the carapace bends the tips. It's like trying to pull a thread of oil out of a block of ballistics gelatin. Is there a specific type of forceps I should be using for this kind of work, and if so what? I'm sure a lot of this boils down to a learning curve for technique, so any help on where to find additional resources for this type of work is also greatly appreciated, as would good reference sources for microsurgical techiques.

Thanks
Tex
 
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Have you searched either Fine Science Tools or WPI for products?

Also, have you considered using a micromanipulator to hold the tool?
 
Andy Resnick said:
Have you searched either Fine Science Tools or WPI for products?

Also, have you considered using a micromanipulator to hold the tool?

Yes, the forceps I am using came from FST. They work great, except for my not being able to grip the internal tissues with them. That's why I think a lot of it comes down to developing a good technique in using them. I've never worked with forceps this small (.05mm x .2mm) before.

The micromanipulator is an excellent idea, but won't allow for the range of motion required to accomplish the task. Because these animals are alive, they move. Sometimes they flip over and other times they move legs, which requires a free-moving tool to get them out of the way. There is also a lot of probing within the wound opening.

I've considered using some kind of micro-suctioning device, but that might be too traumatizing. The other option would be using one of the small-vessel cauterizers on the market to incinerate the tissue. If I could totally destroy a sphere of tissue ~1mm in diameter it would probably work, but I might have the same trauma problem as with suctioning. Plus I could destroy more than 10 pair of forceps for the cost of one cauterizer.