A high-definition 3D exoscope as an alternative to the operating microscope in spinal microsurgery

OBJECTIVE

Since the 1970s, the operating microscope (OM) has been a standard for visualization and illumination of the surgical field in spinal microsurgery. However, due to its limitations (e.g., size, costliness, and the limited movability of the binocular lenses, in addition to discomfort experienced by surgeons due to the posture required), there are efforts to replace the OM with exoscopic video telescopes. The authors evaluated the feasibility of a new 3D exoscope as an alternative to the OM in spine surgeries.

METHODS

Patients with degenerative pathologies scheduled for single-level lumbar or cervical spinal surgery with use of a high-definition 3D exoscope were enrolled in a prospective cohort study between January 2019 and September 2019. Age-, sex-, body mass index-, and procedure-matched patients surgically treated with the assistance of the OM served as the control group. Operative baseline and postoperative outcome parameters were assessed. Periprocedural handling, visualization, and illumination by the exoscope, as well as surgeons' comfort level in terms of posture, were scored using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

A 3D exoscope was used in 40 patients undergoing lumbar posterior decompression (LPD) and 20 patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); an equal number of controls in whom an OM was used were studied. Compared with controls, there were no significant differences for mean operative time (ACDF: 132 vs 116 minutes; LPD: 112 vs 113 minutes) and blood loss (ACDF: 97 vs 93 ml; LPD: 109 vs 55 ml) as well as postoperative improvement of symptoms (ACDF/Neck Disability Index: p = 0.43; LPD/Oswestry Disability Index: p = 0.76). No intraoperative complications occurred in either group. According to the attending surgeon, the intraoperative handling of instruments was rated to be comparable to that of the OM, while the comfort level of the surgeon's posture intraoperatively (especially during "undercutting" procedures) was rated as superior. In cases of ACDF procedures and long approaches, depth perception, image quality, and illumination were rated as inferior when compared with the OM. By contrast, for operating room nursing staff participating in 3D exoscope procedures, the visualization of intraoperative process flow and surgical situs was rated to be superior to the OM, especially for ACDF procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

A 3D exoscope seems to be a safe alternative for common spinal procedures with the unique advantage of excellent comfort for the surgical team, but the drawback is the still slightly inferior visualization/illumination quality compared with the OM.

Frequency of second mesiobuccal canal in permanent maxillary first molars using the operating microscope and selective dentin removal: A clinical study

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of operating microscope and selective dentin removal increased the frequency of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal detection in permanent maxillary first molar teeth.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred fifty permanent maxillary first molars indicated for root canal treatment were randomly selected from patients belonging to the age group of 18–45 years irrespective of gender. After access cavity preparation and location of main canals, the MB2 canal orifice was sought in all teeth with an endodontic explorer under direct vision (Stage I), then under magnification with the aid of operating microscope (Stage II) and finally with the combined use of operating microscope and selective dentin removal (Stage III).

Results:

MB2 canals were detected in 36%, 54% and 72% of the teeth in Stages I–III, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that dental operating microscope when used along with adjunctive aids such as selective dentin removal/troughing and good clinical knowledge will increase the ability of dental clinician to locate MB2 canals.

A novel device for hands-free positioning and adjustment of the surgical microscope

The authors have developed a novel device, which they have named Mari, that allows hands-free utilization of the surgical microscope. The device is attached to the eyepieces of a multifunction counterweight-balanced surgical microscope and consists of a metallic holder with supportive plates that facilitate interaction between the device and surgeon's head. On the holder are installed 1) an electric switch, which allows the surgeon to release the microscope's magnetic clutches, allowing movement of the microscope along the x, y, and z axes as well as the rotational and diagonal ones, and 2) a joystick at the level of the surgeon's mouth for adjustment of focus and zoom. The authors report on the initial experience with the use of the device at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, where the senior author used it in approximately 600 procedures between 2006 and 2012. The surgeries ranged in difficulty and in duration (from 20 minutes to 7 hours, median 2.5 hours). Use of the Mari device resulted in increased accuracy of the surgical manipulations and a reduction in the duration of surgery.

3D Heads-Up Display vs. Standard Operating Microscope Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and outcomes of 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment using a three-dimensional heads-up display (3D HUD) surgical platform as compared to a standard operating microscope (SOM) setting. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Participants: One hundred and forty consecutive eyes of 140 patients with primary retinal detachment. Methods: All eyes underwent 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for primary retinal detachment using either a 3D HUD (NGENUITY; Alcon Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, USA; n = 70 eyes) or a SOM setting (n = 70 eyes); in cases of significant cataract, additional phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed. Minimum follow-up was 2 months. Main Outcome Measures: Primary retinal reattachment rate, rate of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and duration of surgery. Results: There were 70 eyes each in the 3D HUD and the SOM group. Both groups did not differ concerning age (p = 0.70), extent of retinal detachment (p = 0.07), number of retinal tears (p = 0.40), macular involvement (p = 0.99), and preoperative BCVA (p = 0.99). Postoperatively, 3D HUD and SOM were comparable concerning the primary retinal reattachment rate (88.6 vs. 94.3%; p = 0.37), the development of postoperative PVR (12.9% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.40) and final BCVA (0.26 ± 0.40 vs. 0.21 ± 0.38 logMAR; p = 0.99). Duration of surgery was significantly longer in the 3D HUD group (66.2 ± 16.5 vs. 61.2 ± 17.1 min; p = 0.04), an effect which however vanished after a "learning curve" of the first 35 eyes (p = 0.49). Conclusions: On par results to a conventional operating microscope can be achieved with a 3D HUD setting when performing 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, including the primary retinal reattachment rate, the incidence of postoperative PVR and final BCVA. However, duration of surgery might initially be slightly longer with 3D HUD, suggesting the effect of a learning curve.

Use of an operating microscope during spine surgery is associated with minor increases in operating room times and no increased risk of infection

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database review.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether microscope use during spine procedures is associated with increased operating room times or increased risk of infection.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Operating microscopes are commonly used in spine procedures. It is debated whether the use of an operating microscope increases operating room time or confers increased risk of infection.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, which includes data from more than 370 participating hospitals, was used to identify patients undergoing elective spinal procedures with and without the use of an operating microscope for the years 2011 and 2012. Bivariate and multivariate linear regressions were used to test the association between microscope use and operating room times. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were similarly conducted to test the association between microscope use and infection occurrence within 30 days of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 23,670 elective spine procedures were identified, of which 2226 (9.4%) used an operating microscope. The average patient age was 55.1±14.4 years. The average operative time (incision to closure) was 125.7±82.0 minutes.Microscope use was associated with minor increases in preoperative room time (+2.9 min, P=0.013), operative time (+13.2 min, P<0.001), and total room time (+18.6 min, P<0.001) on multivariate analysis.A total of 328 (1.4%) patients had an infection within 30 days of surgery. Multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference between the microscope and nonmicroscope groups for occurrence of any infection, superficial surgical site infection, deep surgical site infection, organ space infection, or sepsis/septic shock, regardless of surgery type.

CONCLUSION

We did not find operating room times or infection risk to be significant deterrents for use of an operating microscope during spine surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Evaluation of a Novel Three-Dimensional Robotic Digital Microscope (Aeos) in Neurosurgery

OBJECTIVE

Current literature debates the role of newly developed three-dimensional (3D) Exoscopes in the daily routine of neurosurgical practice. So far, only a small number of cadaver lab studies or case reports have examined the novel Aesculap Aeos Three-Dimensional Robotic Digital Microscope. This study aims to evaluate the grade of satisfaction and intraoperative handling of this novel system in neurosurgery.

METHODS

Nineteen neurosurgical procedures (12 cranial, 6 spinal and 1 peripheral nerve) performed over 9 weeks using the Aeos were analyzed. Ten neurosurgeons of varying levels of training were included after undergoing device instruction and training. Following every surgery, a questionnaire consisting of 43 items concerning intraoperative handling was completed. The questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications occurred. Surgical satisfaction was ranked high (78.95%). In total, 84.21% evaluated surgical ergonomics as satisfactory, while 78.95% of the surgeons would like to use this system frequently. Image quality, independent working zoom function and depth of field were perceived as suboptimal by several neurosurgeons.

CONCLUSION

The use of Aeos is feasible and safe in microsurgical procedures, and surgical satisfaction was ranked high among most neurosurgeons in our study. The system might offer advanced ergonomic conditions in comparison to conventional ocular-based microscopes.

Technological Advancements in Male Infertility Microsurgery

There have been significant advancements in male infertility microsurgery over time, and there continues to be significant promise for new and emerging techniques, technologies, and methodologies. In this review, we discuss the history of male infertility and the evolution of microsurgery, the essential role of education and training in male infertility microsurgery, and new technologies in this space. We also review the potentially important role of artificial intelligence (AI) in male infertility and microsurgery.

A Prospective Cohort Evaluation of a Robotic, Auto-Navigating Operating Microscope

The unique challenges inherent to microneurosurgery demand that we stay on the forefront of new surgical technologies. Many believe the next major technological advance in neurosurgery will be the widespread application of image-guided robotics in the operating room. We evaluated a novel technology for image-guided robotic auto-navigation of the operating microscope in a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients. Twenty patients were prospectively enrolled for analysis. Data were collected on the extent of resection, operative time, estimated blood loss, time taken to set up the new software, and complications encountered. Software accuracy, reliability, and usefulness in the case were subjectively evaluated. The most commonly  treated pathologies were cavernous malformation (n = 5), arteriovenous malformation (n = 4), and meningioma (n = 4). The time to set up the new software interface before the start of the operation was <60 seconds in all cases. Subjective evaluation in each case revealed the robotic interface to be accurate, reliable, and useful. The new technology was significantly more useful in deeper lesions. The addition of image-guided robotic auto-positioning features to the operating microscope has a great potential to advance the field of neurosurgery. This study is the first prospective evaluation of such a technology in a patient cohort. The results suggest that the newest robotic auto-positioning technology has the potential to improve the neurosurgeon's efficiency and efficacy, thereby positively impacting patient safety and surgical outcomes, especially in cases involving deep-seated lesions.

Hepatic artery reconstruction using an operating microscope in pediatric liver transplantation-Is it worth the effort?

INTRODUCTION

In pediatric liver transplantation (pLT), hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is associated with inferior transplant outcome. Hepatic artery reconstruction (HAR) using an operating microscope (OM) is considered to reduce the incidence of HAT.

METHODS

HAR using an OM was compared to a historic cohort using surgical loupes (SL) in pLT performed between 2009 and 2020. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of HAT. Secondary endpoints were 1-year patient and graft survival determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and complications. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for HAT and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 79 pLTs were performed [30 (38.0%) living donations; 49 (62.0%) postmortem donations] divided into 23 (29.1%) segment 2/3, 32 (40.5%) left lobe, 4 (5.1%) extended right lobe, and 20 (25.3%) full-size grafts. One-year patient and graft survival were both 95.2% in the OM group versus 86.2% and 77.8% in the SL group (p = .276 and p = .077). HAT rate was 0% in the OM group versus 24.1% in the SL group (p = .013). One-year patient and graft survival were 64.3% and 35.7% in patient with HAT, compared to 93.9% and 92.8% in patients with no HAT (both p < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed HAR with SL (p = .022) and deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) (p = .014) as independent risk factors for HAT. The occurrence of HAT was independently associated with the need for retransplantation (p < .001) and biliary leakage (p = .045).

CONCLUSION

In pLT, the use of an OM is significantly associated to reduce HAT rate, biliary complications, and graft loss and outweighs the disadvantages of delayed arterial perfusion and prolonged warm ischemia time (WIT).

Endodontic management of a mandibular first molar with six root canal systems

Internal anatomy of pulp is complex. The first mandibular molars typically have two roots, one mesial with two root canals and another distal root, which contains one or two canals. A 20-year-old female patient reported with intermittent pain and incomplete root canal treatment in left lower back region since 1-week. Refined access cavity revealed initially two canals in mesial and two canals in the distal root. With operating microscope and cone beam computerized tomography, two additional canals (L-mesio-buccal and B-mesio-lingual) were identified in mesial root. One-year follow-up showed patient was asymptomatic and complete healing of periapical radiolucency.

Comparative evaluation of management of gingival recession using subepithelial connective tissue graft and collagen membrane by periodontal microsurgical technique: A clinical study of 40 cases

Background:

New technologies, instruments, and surgical techniques are necessary to help the clinician ensure the best result and satisfy the patient's expectations, and surgical microscope has been thoroughly demonstrated as a useful tool. A clinical study was carried out to compare 2 different types of root coverage procedures using periodontal microsurgical procedure.

Materials and Methods:

Forty patients were selected and divided into Group A and Group B. Group A subjects were treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) whereas Group B subjects were treated using a resorbable collagen membrane. The procedures were performed with the help of an operating microscope using 250 mm objective lens and ×6 magnification.

Results:

A comparison between baseline, 1, 3, and 12 months have been done between groups among all parameters. It has been noticed that the root coverage was better in Group A subjects at all time. At 12 months, Group A showed 81.42% coverage where in Group B it was 70.08%. Similarly, increase in the width of keratinized gingiva and attached gingiva were more in Group A.

Conclusions:

The present study showed that use of microsurgical instrument helped to deliver precise incision, better visual acuity, and improved illumination which facilitate to gain a better final outcome. Root coverage was better in the patients using CTG.

Removal of a separated endodontic instrument by using the modified hollow tube-based extractor system: A case report

The frequency of separation of NiTi rotary instruments has increased with the increasing use of these instruments, and this error may result from inadequate experience of using these instruments. This iatrogenic error can complicate root canal treatment, and special experience is required to manage this problem. This case report describes the management of the separation of an F3 instrument from a ProTaper NiTi rotary system. A 30-year-old man was referred to the College of Dentistry, Taibah University (Saudi Arabia) with an intracanal separated NiTi rotary instrument (F3 of the ProTaper system; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in the canal of the maxillary right canine. The separated instrument was removed by using the modified hollow tube–based extractor system. The present case revealed that sometimes a simple method can be an effective alternative of a professional method; using NiTi rotary instruments with strict adherence is important for the prevention of instrument separation.

[Microsurgery of coronary arteries using an operating microscope]

The world experience of coronary artery bypass surgery using an operating microscope is reviewed in the article. Important role of operating microscope and microsurgical techniques for coronary anastomoses formation is shown. High optical magnification provided by operating microscope directly affects the quality of surgical technique and accuracy of coronary anastomoses suturing that affects postoperative graft patency. Thus, the use of operating microscope can affect the results of coronary artery bypass surgery, as shown in several reports.

[Microsurgical technique in coronary bypass surgery: possibilities, perspectives and limitations]

Microsurgical approach implies a special technique of operation under operating microscope with the use of special tools and ultra-thin atraumatic sutures. This method may be used in coronary artery bypass surgery in order to improve conventional technique, its quality and outcomes. The report summarizes information about technical features, capabilities and results of microsurgical coronary artery bypass grafting. The problem of popularizing microsurgical technologies in coronary bypass surgery is also discussed.

[Treatment of hemangioma of larynx by injecting bleomycin with a modified laryngeal micro-injector under the suspension laryngoscope and operating microscope]

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of treating laryngeal hemangioma by injecting bleomycin with self-made laryngeal microinjector under the suspension laryngoscope and operating microscope.Method:Thirteen patients with hemangioma of larynx(diameters of tumors range from 1.2-3.8 cm) were admitted and treated by injecting bleomycin with a modified laryngeal micro-injector under the suspension laryngoscope and operating microscope from January 2012 to September 2016. According to the tumor size, 4.5-7.5 mg bleomycin was injected and the patients received treatment every four weeks until there were no evident tumor residues. Result:Four of the 13 patients were cured after the first injection, 6 were cured after the second injection, and 3 cured after the third injection. All cases were followed up without recurrence. Conclusion:Bleomycin injection with a modified laryngeal micro injector under the suspension laryngoscope and operating microscope is proved to be a effective measure with the advantage of precise, minimal- invasive, and efficient therapeutic effect in treatment of laryngeal hemangioma.

[VITOM 3D exoscopic system compared to microsurgical technique in spinal surgery]

3D exoscopy based on Video Telescope Operating Monitor (VITOM) technology provides good visualization quality and portability. There are few data on comparison of extracorporeal telescoping with microsurgical techniques in spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of VITOM 3D exoscopy and microsurgical techniques in spinal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study included 80 patients (54 men and 26 women). Two groups were distinguished: group 1 (ES, n=40) - VITOM 3D exoscopy, group 2 (SM, n=40) - Pentero 900 surgical microscope. We analyzed surgery time, postoperative rehabilitation, hospital-stay and complications. ES and microsurgical technique were compared using the questionnaire by Takahashi S. and rapid upper limb assessment (RULA).

RESULTS

Conventional microsurgical technique was characterized by less surgery time (p<0.05) and morbidity (p=0.02). Postoperative rehabilitation and hospital-stay were similar (p=0.26 and p=0.39, respectively). Image quality in ES was comparable to microsurgical technique in shallow accesses and manipulations perpendicular to skin incision. Availability of neurosurgical instruments at different depths of the wound channel was comparable in both groups. The limitation of ES was length of skin incision, depth of the wound and its visualization at certain angle. These features required expansion of surgical approach or conversion of intervention. In general, surgeons rated intraoperative posture comfort as comparable in both groups that was consistent with the RULA scale.

CONCLUSION

VITOM 3D exoscopy is an alternative to traditional microscopy and more ergonomically beneficial in spinal surgery in case of manipulations perpendicular to skin incision and shallow wide accesses. There are several important limitations of this device including difficult manipulations in narrow deep wounds and visualization under certain angle.

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery for Cushing's Disease: A Review

Ever since the 1960s, transsphenoidal surgery has been the modality of choice for treating Cushing's disease. Subsequent visualization of the pituitary fossa and sphenoid sinus may be done either with the operating microscope or with the relatively new endoscope. The endoscope due to its panoramic view allows greater visualization as compared to the operating microscope. It confers greater access to the cavernous sinus, sella, suprasellar, and parasellar regions and accommodates higher magnifications. It is bi-dimensional, however as opposed to the operating microscope that provides a three-dimensional view and allows greater depth perception. This article provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of the endoscope and compares it to the operating microscope. We hope this article will prove useful to both clinicians and academicians alike in their approach and management of Cushing's disease.

Assessing the Training in Neurosurgery with the Implementation of VITOM-3D Exoscope: Learning Curve on Experimental Model in Neurosurgical Practice

(1) Background: Innovation and continuous demand in the field of visual enhancing technologies and video streaming have led to the discovery of new systems capable of improving visualization and illumination of the surgical field. The exoscope was brought into neurosurgical routine, and nearly ten years later, modern 3D systems have been introduced and tested, giving encouraging results. (2) Methods: In order to evaluate the surgeon's confidence with the exoscope and their increasing ability in terms of time spent and quality of the final achievement since their first encounter with the technique, an experimental trial on 18 neurosurgeons from a single Institution was performed to evaluate the learning curve for the use of the VITOM-3D exoscope in neurosurgical practice on a model of brain and dura mater. (3) Results: A significant improvement in the quality of the performance, number of errors made, and reduction in the time was found after the third iteration of the task, by when almost all the participants felt more comfortable and confident. No significant differences between senior neurosurgeons and resident neurosurgeons were reported. (4) Conclusions: Our results show that three iterations are enough to gain confidence with the exoscope from its first use, regardless of previous experience and training with an operating microscope.

Computational image analysis of distortion, sharpness, and depth of field in a next-generation hybrid exoscopic and microsurgical operative platform

Objective

The development of surgical microscope-associated cameras has given rise to a new operating style embodied by hybrid microsurgical and exoscopic operative systems. These platforms utilize specialized camera systems to visualize cranial neuroanatomy at various depths. Our study aims to understand how different camera settings in a novel hybrid exoscope system influence image quality in the context of neurosurgical procedures.

Methods

We built an image database using captured cadaveric dissection images obtained with a prototype version of a hybrid (microsurgical/exoscopic) operative platform. We performed comprehensive 4K-resolution image capture using 76 camera settings across three magnification levels and two working distances. Computer algorithms such as structural similarity (SSIM) and mean squared error (MSE) were used to measure image distortion across different camera settings. We utilized a Laplacian filter to compute the overall sharpness of the acquired images. Additionally, a monocular depth estimation deep learning model was used to examine the image's capability to visualize the depth of deeper structures accurately.

Results

A total of 1,368 high-resolution pictures were captured. The SSIM index ranged from 0.63 to 0.85. The MSE was nearly zero for all image batches. It was determined that the exoscope could accurately detect both the sharpness and depth based on the Laplacian filter and depth maps, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that users can utilize the full range of camera settings available on the exoscope, including adjustments to aperture, color saturation, contrast, sharpness, and brilliance, without introducing significant image distortions relative to the standard mode.

Conclusion

The evolution of the camera incorporated into a surgical microscope enables exoscopic visualization during cranial base surgery. Our result should encourage surgeons to take full advantage of the exoscope's extensive range of camera settings to match their personal preferences or specific clinical requirements of the surgical scenario. This places the exoscope as an invaluable asset in contemporary surgical practice, merging high-definition imaging with ergonomic design and adaptable operability.