This is a preliminary report of the use of a device to apply small pulses of radio-frequency energy to surgical wounds in order to improve wound healing. The device was applied to one eye in 21 patients who underwent bilateral blepharoplasty. There were no device-related complications. In 11 patients, edema and ecchymosis were noticeably less on the treated side within 24 hours of surgery. In 6 patients, ecchymosis and swelling were so slight that no difference between treated and untreated sides was visible. Two patients were noticeably worse on the treated side. Further studies will be conducted.

This paper describes the design for a microsurgical stainless steel atraumatic needle for primary suture of small peripheral nerves in which the epineurium is friable. The needle (manufactured by Dixey Instruments, U.K.) is curved with a spearshaped point and a small cutting edge on the concave surface. The rest of the body of the needle is round. We have found with histological evidence that there is an improvement in accuracy of suture placement on previously used needles in experimental and clinical microsurgery of peripheral nerves.