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going to be able to better differentiate structures and in so doing produce better
outcomes. Even then, however, it's not likely to be universally true. Moving for-
ward, the adoption of 3D technology will still depend on surgeon preference.
Lighting the way
Some surgical imaging vendors have developed
visualization methods based on the use of light
filters. One good example is narrow-band imag-
ing, a technique patented by one company. The
technology uses special green and blue filters
that cause hemoglobin in blood cells to look
darker on the screen. That can help with early
detection of structures with dense vasculature, such as tumors. There is evi-
dence that it lets surgeons identify tumors at an earlier stage than they'd other-
wise be able to.
Another company has developed a technology called "infravision," which uses
infrared light for enhanced visualization and can be used to identify and localize
bile ducts during cholecystectomies.
These more advanced features come with higher costs, of course, but for
those who are budget-conscious and whose clinical focus isn't on the kinds of
procedures that call for such upgrades, suppliers usually offer systems that are
more bare bones but that still include HD. Imaging towers are pretty consistent-
ly priced. It's when you're thinking about purchasing different camera heads or
V I D E O I M A G I N G
PICTURE PERFECT Surgeons love the detail
HD offers and are intrigued by 3D's potential.
did do the same operations before with 2D laparoscopic technology," she explains,
"but I think 3D increases the level of safety and improves outcomes. You feel more
confident with every aspect of the operation. And you're also more likely to be able to
finish a complex operation laparoscopically, because you're less likely to have a prob-
lem with bleeding."
— Jim Burger
ANOTHER STEP FORWARD? The data
to support improved outcomes with 3D
hasn't arrived yet, but the technology is
increasingly popular with surgeons.
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