Clinical and laboratory experience has shown that this instrumentarium facilitates the dissection and/or the trimming of other cylindrical anatomical structures, above all, if in a saving manner a smooth surface should be achieved (Tendons, Fallopian Tubes, Vas Deferens, Vessels, etc.): It has proven its usefulness especially in hand surgery at trimming the tendon stumps. Not only extraordinarily smooth tendon surfaces can be cut, but the instrumentarium also permits the gentle handling of the stumps for suturing (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

Figure 1:
Scanning electron microscopical picture of a resection by above technique of a non-fixated human flexor tendon.

Figure 2:
The holding forceps is a gentle handling instrument for the tendon stumps at suturing.

Figure 3:
Resected slices of median nerve at a secondary suturing. Using the holding forceps slices as thin as 1mm can be easily cut.

Applied holding forceps, with blade in guide slot. An oscillating movement under slight pressure and constant rinsing results in a straight, smooth resection of the nerve end.
Insert blade carefully into guide slot to avoid damage to its cutting edge. Clean the guide slot under running water, with the back of the used blade. Avoid spreading and distorting the guide slot. Don't use blades, which are too thick. The S&T blade CBS-35 is recommended.

The examination of cut-surfaces of peripheral nerves and tendons has been performed in cooperation with J. Smahel, M.D., Chief of the Research Laboratory of the Surgical Clinic B, University of Zurich Medical School, Zurich, Switzerland.