injuries much easier,
which means less
blood loss and a
reduced op time."
Dr. Ross notes that
because 3D gives
you a more focused
look at structures,
surgeons see less
overall space at one
time. Additionally, the size of the scopes can be a problem. She says
that most 3D systems on the market only offer a 10 mm scope. "For
me, since I do single incision, the 10 mm scope isn't useful because it
takes up a lot of space," she says. "In those cases, I'd rather have the
2D."
Fluorescence imaging
One of the latest advances in surgical imaging is fluorescence imag-
ing, which uses near-infrared technology and a special green dye to
help surgeons better see blood vessels, bile ducts and other key
anatomical landmarks.
Dr. Kenney notes that while the technology seems helpful in certain
cases, it hasn't quite taken off yet. He notes that the technology's draw
is that it claims to help prevent injuries to the main bile duct, a poten-
tially fatal complication in laparoscopic procedures. While laparoscop-
ic surgeons may not be demanding it just yet, he says that more and
more plastic surgeons are using it to look at the viability of breast
flaps and other soft tissue during reconstruction cases, since the
infrared technology helps easily determine blood flow.
Dr. Ross notes that for larger hospitals with more complicated
1 0 7
O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 | O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
If you've upgraded
to a 1080p video
system, ask your
vendor how easily
you can move to
4K as it becomes
the standard.
