Technical aspects and operative nuances using a high-definition 4K-3-dimensional exoscope for carotid endarterectomy surgery

Surgical Posture with Microscopic Versus Exoscopic Visualization in Anterior Cervical Procedures

BACKGROUND

Surgeons sustain deviated postures during procedures even with the use of loupes or an operative microscope. The surgical exoscope is a new intraoperative visualization technology designed to improve surgical ergonomics; however, no objective data exist to say that surgeon posture is significantly improved. This study aimed to quantify the difference in posture during standard anterior cervical spine procedures performed with the aid of an operative microscope versus an exoscope.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study utilizing a posture-sensing device at the surgeon's cervicothoracic junction. The primary outcome was the proportion of time under scope spent in a deviated posture, defined as greater than 10 degrees of deviation from neutral in the x- and y-axes (flexion/extension and lateral bending) of the surgeon's upper torso. Average deviation from baseline for the x-, y-, and z-axes (flexion/extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively), as well as the percentage of operative time spent with the visualization aid was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 anterior cervical procedures were recorded: 18 were performed with an exoscope and 19 with a microscope. Surgeons spent significantly more time in the deviated posture with the operative microscope than with the exoscope (32% vs. 8% with x-axis >10 deg, P <0.005; 20% vs. 6% with y-axis >10 deg, P <0.05). This is also reflected by the significant differences in the average deviation in the x- and y-axes, while under scope.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilizing the exoscope for anterior cervical spine procedures allows surgeons to spend less time in a deviated posture.

3D Exoscopes are Noninferior to Operating Microscopes in Aneurysm Surgery: Comparative Single-Surgeon Series of 52 Consecutive Cases

OBJECTIVE

The literature on exoscope use in cerebrovascular neurosurgery is scarce, mainly comprising small case series and focused on visualization quality and ergonomics. As these devices become widely used, direct comparison to the operating microscope regarding efficacy and patient safety is necessary.

METHODS

Fifty-two consecutive clipping procedures, performed by 1 senior vascular neurosurgeon, were analyzed. Either an operating microscope with a mouth switch (25 cases with 27 aneurysms; 13 ruptured) or a three-dimensional exoscope with a foot switch (27 cases with 34 aneurysms; 6 ruptured) were used. Durations of major surgical stages, number of device adjustments, numbers of clip repositionings and clips implanted were extracted from surgical videos. Demographic data, imaging characteristics, clinical course and outcomes were extracted from digital patient records.

RESULTS

Duration of surgery and different stages did not differ between devices, except for final site inspection. The number of device adjustments was higher with the exoscope. With progressive experience in exoscope use, the number of device adjustments increased significantly, whereas surgery duration remained unchanged. Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was observed in 80% and 88% of patients in the microscope and exoscope groups, respectively. Ischemic events were found in 2 patients in each group; no other complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In aneurysm clipping, three-dimensional exoscopes are noninferior to operating microscopes in terms of surgery duration, safety, and outcomes, based on our limited series. Progressive experience enables the surgeon to perform significantly more device adjustments within the same amount of surgical time.

Microvascular anastomosis in a challenging setting using a 4 K three-dimensional exoscope compared with a conventional microscope: An in vivo animal study

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) exoscope systems have been developed and are reported to be adequate alternatives to the conventional microscope. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectivity of microvascular anastomosis using a 4 K 3D exoscope in an in vivo animal study.

METHODS

The abdominal aortas of mice were selected as the target vessels for comparing the outcomes of microvascular anastomosis for both the conventional microscope and 3D exoscope. We recorded the vessel separation, temporary occlusion, and total procedure durations. Local conditions at the sutures were also recorded. Typical histopathological images were presented, and the patency of anastomotic vessels within 5 and 30 min were evaluated. All procedures included both superficial and deep anastomosis.

RESULTS

Sixty mice were included in the analysis; the weight and vascular diameter were 38.5 ± 5.8 g and 0.77 ± 0.06 mm, respectively, and around 8 stiches were required. Regarding feasibility, vessel separation duration, temporary occlusion duration, total procedure duration, blood leak, and number of vascular folds between stiches, the results were comparable between the two types of microscopes. The feasibility of anastomosis was also confirmed by pathology. Regarding effectiveness, anastomotic vascular patency at 5 and 30 min were similar for both microscopes. Even in the more difficult scenario of deep anastomosis, the results were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

In a challenging experimental setting, comparable outcomes of microvascular anastomosis were observed for the conventional microscope and 3D exoscope in these animal experiments. Therefore, in vivo microvascular anastomosis is feasible and effective using a 3D exoscope.