The flute: A new microsurgical instrument performing the work of three instruments simultaneously.

Background: The surgical suction, irrigator, and retractor are vital instruments in all operative neurosurgical interventions. Several trials previously tried to combine these instruments to reduce the number of working hands in the surgical field and make them more controllable by the surgeon. An instrument combined the suction and irrigation used, and others added suction with the dissector, which was also invented but with many drawbacks.

Methods: We designed a new surgical instrument that performs the function of three surgical instruments simultaneously. It works as a dissector, suction, and irrigator in the surgical field. Its innovative design unites three instruments, and every one of them has its holding method by the surgeon's hand. They united into one maneuver. The surgeon's work becomes easier by decreasing the number of hands in the surgical field; this will result in a reduction in time and better efficiency. Furthermore, its innovative design reduces the possibility of blockage of the suction tube, and the feasibility of reopening is much easier as compared with the available suction.

Results: We use the 3D-printed design of the instrument by neurosurgeons. It was quite comfortable with better control by the surgeon and reduced the number of hands in the field, resulting in an increment of the operative field visible to the surgeon.

Conclusion: This new instrument acts as three conventional instruments simultaneously to provide better control to the surgeon and increase the operative field visible to the surgeon.