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I N T R A O P
V I S U A L I Z A T I O N
poreal surgeon's knot and 4 square knots while wearing headsets that
provided 3D views of the tasks. The researchers recorded the surgeons'
suturing and knot-tying times, and measured the distances sutures were
places from pre-made marks.
Most of the participating surgeons said 3D visualization afforded them
greater depth perception. The novice surgeons claimed the technology
helped them during their introduction to laparoscopic suturing and knot
tying. However, the researchers conclude that the 3D headshots did not
ultimately improve suturing times or accuracy.
Similarly, researchers in the department of urology at the University of
California, Irvine, compared the abilities of 10 medical students, 7 surgical residents and 7 expert surgeons to complete 6 basic laparoscopic
tasks — including suturing precision and peg and ring transfers —
under 2D and 3D visualization. The participants performed better across
the board when working off of 3D images, according to the study, which
was published in the September 2013 issue of the Journal of
Endourology.
The study's authors say 3D laparoscopic camera equipment results in
a significant improvement in depth perception, spatial location and precision of surgical performance compared with conventional 2D equipment. They conclude, "With this improved quality of vision even expert
laparoscopic surgeons may benefit from 3D imaging."
— Daniel Cook
N O V E M B E R 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
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