Tungsten needle is a method and apparatus for performing electrosurgery with an ultra-sharp electrode composed of a refractory alloy, said electrode having a blunt end and a tip end, and a method for forming the ultra-sharp electrode by rotating about its axis a vertically held cylindrical rod composed of a refractory alloy and repeatedly withdrawing and replacing the rod into a pool of molten oxidizing agent. 

 

Tungsten needles have much finer tips. They are mainly used for scribing marks on metal surfaces, cutting particles from collodion and for single particle manipulation. Because the tip is rather fragile, it bends or breaks frequently. Many of these needles should be kept on hand since a few may be necessary to complete manipulation of a single particle. Not only are tungsten needles used for particle manipulation, but they can also be used when working with embryos and for glass blowing.