Alcon Inc.
DISTANCE INDICATION FOR INVASIVE MICROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

Abstract:

A microsurgical instrument having one or more distance indication members is provided. In a particular embodiment, the microsurgical instrument comprises a microsurgical tool and a first distance indication member coupled to, and extending beyond a distal end of, the microsurgical tool. A distal portion of the first distance indication member may be configured to deflect when in contact with a tissue surface, without causing damage to the tissue surface, to give a visual indication that the distal end of the microsurgical tool is in proximity to the tissue surface. The distal portion of the distance indication member can be further configured to return to a non-deflected configuration when no longer in contact with the tissue surface.