The research team in Karlsruhe in close co-operation with Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, used the microproduction techniques at its disposal to produce a miniature pliers out of a piece of wire which was just 0.63 mm thick and made of a nickel titanium alloy (shape memory alloy).

This mini pliers also has microstructured jaws which allow tissue samples to be held more easily and securely during an operation.