A series of tutorials on microsurgery, starting from the basics working up to more advanced techniques, uploaded in random order.
All videos:    / drwmicrosurgery  

Copyright 2012 Victor Volovici (DrW).

Carl Zeiss Opmi Pico Microscope, various colour filters applied, magnification 20x50x.
Applying the same principles as in the first 2 lessons, we now try to suture a petal. In this setting, finesse is the key word, as the delicate nature of the tissue at hand poses many problems.
The arms of the microforceps must guide the needle in but the force applied must not be too great, for it will surely fracture the delicate petal. Also, approximation may yield small holes at the needle entry points due to various conformational possibilities of the petal but large holes are most surely indicative of excess force applied when the knot is tied.
For added difficulty, one could try the white mum (chrysanthemum) petal, which has even less thickness than the rose petal, meaning every move must be carefully planned and carried out, as even the blunt tip of the microneedleholder may damage the structure, posing difficulties even for more experienced microsurgeons. It is also a valuable drill to serve as warmup for advanced and difficult procedures.
More videos to come!
Song: Wagner Tannhauser Overture. I do not own or claim authorship for the song.