Surgical Visualization_Layout 1 12/20/13 9:02 AM Page 18
M I N I M A L L Y
I N V A S I V E
ALL IN ONE With bariatriclength articulating HD
scopes, instruments can be
staggered, allowing surgeons
to work from a single port.
S U R G E R Y
Ross. "All the advantages
that you have while sitting at a robot console
and visualizing tissues in
3 dimensions, you're now
able to have with the
Ty Bowman
laparoscopic approach,"
she says. "It's ideal for
tasks such as suturing.
It's truly beautiful."
Another plus: At least one company allows you to add the upgraded 3D scope
to its existing imaging system. "Some companies force you to purchase an
entire tower when you buy a new, upgraded scope," says Dr. Ross. "Being able
to use the same tower system decreases the capital investment and simplifies
training."
The only disadvantage is that the 3D technology currently requires 10mm
scopes, which means you need a slightly larger incision than might be ideal
under some circumstances — at least, that is, until the next improvement comes
along.
Oh, and you also need to wear 3D glasses. Not a problem, says Dr. Ross, who
was given an early prototype. "They showed me these ugly, ugly glasses and I
said, 'Listen, if I need to wear this in the operating room, there's no way I'm
wearing these. I've got to have something designer-like,'" she laughs. "And
wouldn't you know, they came up with glasses now that are really like designer
glasses. They're really very nice."
What's next?
So, has the technology gone about as far as it can go? "I think if you asked an
older surgeon, he'd say it's probably pretty close to where it's going to be," says
Alexander Rosemurgy, MD, director of the Surgical Digestive Disorders and
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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 | J A N U A R Y 2014
