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Abstract

A medical device for surgical procedures is provided which includes an instrument having a working end defined by a portion of the instrument that can be visualized in a surgical field during a micro-invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedure. The working end includes a tissue manipulating element and a non-reflective outer surface, which covers the working end in its entirety so that the outer surface is free from glare points. The outer surface of the working end is preferably electrochemically etched to form a darkened metal oxide composition surface. The invention also includes micro-invasive surgical assemblies, which include a light source for illuminating the surgical field and visualization means as well as an instrument with a non-reflective working end. Processes for providing a surgical article with a non-reflective surface are also provided. The processes include placing an electrode adjacent the working end of the article and maintaining a gap between the article and the electrode. Electrolyte is supplied to the gap while passing an electric current between the article and electrode to provide a substantially uniform non-reflective surface to the entire working end of the article.

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First Claim