Final Design

Dilator Forceps

High-precision tweezers used for grasping, holding and manipulating delicate tissue, sutures, or micro implants.

Jeweler Forceps

Used to gently widen blood vessels or other small openings. Their slender, tapered tips allow for progressive dilation while minimizing tissue trauma.

Microneedle Holder

A specialized microsurgical tool designed for gripping and controlling fine suturing needles (8-0 to 12-0 suturing needles).

Instron Testing

Figure 1: Force and displacement characterization of hybrid prototypes.

Figure 2: Force and displacement characterization of OEM instruments.

Figure 3 & Figure 4: Images of the setup of the Instron machine used for force vs. displacement testing of the hybrid prototypes (Figure 3) and OEM training instruments (Figure 4).

Surgeon Feedback

20 participating surgeons were asked to perform standard microsurgical tasks, including gripping, manipulating, and simulating suturing motions under a microscope. After interacting with each instrument, users rated the instruments across six categories: tactile feedback, tissue/needle handling, comfort, motion/dexterity, overall quality and fidelity/similarity to industry standard instruments. The results of the user tests are summarized in Figure 3. Overall, the hybrid designs performed consistently well across most categories. Comfort and overall quality ratings were high, suggesting that users found the instruments functional for microsurgical tasks. However, relatively lower scores were observed in tactile feedback and fidelity, indicating that while functional, the instruments did not fully replicate the precision and “feel” of traditional metal instruments. The microneedle holder in particular showed reduced performance in motion/dexterity, suggesting limitations in fine control.

Figure 5: Average user ratings (1-5) across six performance categories for each instrument based on feedback from 20 participants

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