[Bipolar wet-field diathermy in microsurgery]

The author describes a miniature bipolar diathermy unit which can be used for several microsurgical purposes. It was developed from a standard endodiathermy instrument which has been in use for pars plana vitrectomy since 1973. It features bipolar forceps which can be used for welding conjunctival flaps and macrohemostasis in strabismus, orbital and lid surgery; bipolar electrodes with and without infusion, for extraocular hemostasis and intraocular microhemostasis in the anterior and posterior segments; bipolar electrodes with infusion for special purposes (still at the experimental stage), for capsulotomy of the anterior lens capsule for extracapsular cataract extraction, section of intraocular strands and membranes and sector iridectomy for tumors or rubeosis of the iris.