A new microsurgical instrument--a suction tube combined with a microdissector.

A microsurgical suction tube with an attached ball probe has been developed. It functions as a microdissector when the ball probe is in its extended position, creating a larger working field than an ordinary sucker. When the ball probe is in the repose position, it does not interfere with the suction capacity, and the suction tube serves as a regular sucker. By adding the properties of the microdissector to the suction tube, dissection of exquisitely fine and subtle structures, including arachnoidal membranes, is facilitated. The ball probe is easily dismantled from the suction tube and the whole instrument conveniently cleaned.