Abstract

A technique and system for facilitiating intraocular and other microsurgery comprising a lighter-irrigator tube which utilizes a central light guide to conduct light into the area of the surgery along the fluid infusion pathway. An auxiliary to the lighter-irrigator comprises a fiber optic work cord or light pipe characterized by light transmission and light dispersion along its path between a light source and the lighter-irrigator, and which may be utilized alone, or with other similar auxiliary cords, to provide low level lighting to the work areas, so that adequate work light is provided for the surgical assistants and aneasthesiologists, while maintaining maximum visualization for the surgeon.