P 7
DIAMOND-MICROTECHNOLOGY FOR APPLICATION IN RETINAL SURGERY

Sylke Nerkelun, H.O.C. Gümbel, E. Schirmer, Chr. Lingenfelder, P. Gluche, S. Ertl (Ulm)

New technologies for manufacturing of artificial diamond blades with exceptional sharp cutting edges are discussed. It is shown that blade geometries can be shrinked down to dimensions of 1mm x 1mm. Such miniaturized diamond blades have been adapted for the use in retinal surgery. It is shown that for a variety of retinal procedures the blades can be used with good results. Finally an outlook is given to what the future developments could be. Integration of multiple functions (coagulation/sensors) into the diamond blades and further reduction of the dimensions of these multifunctional diamond blades are dicussed.


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