3D technology
Attention may be on 4K video, but 3D is still making waves in ORs
around the country. 3D technology has entered into the surgical world
in 2 ways: robots equipped with 3D video and independent, stand-
alone systems where viewers wear glasses to give them enhanced
views. These systems promise to give surgeons better depth percep-
tion during procedures, which can be especially helpful for tasks such
as suturing or separating tissue.
Ms. Lund notes that while her surgery center has yet to add 4K, it
has added 3D laparoscopic cameras to several of its ORs. The deci-
sion came after surgeons trialed the system and found it let them
clearly see different layers of tissue. There are some quirks, though,
with using a 3D system. Though the glasses for standalone systems
have improved, some surgeons find them cumbersome, and others
simply may not like the 3D images. Because of that, be sure to con-
duct a thorough trial with the system you're considering, says Ms.
Lund, who arranged for 4 vendors to come to her facility over several
months. Afterward, the surgeons filled out evaluations that measured
quality, ease of use and imaging capabilities.
"We maintained our standard system as well, and the physicians
choose which system to use depending on procedure and case," says
Ms. Lund. "Some of our team find the 3D to be overwhelming and
choose to use the standard system."
Dr. Eun says one of the reasons he prefers using a surgical robot is
because of the enhanced 3D imaging the system offers. He notes that
currently, robots are only offering 3D-HD images, though he expects
that to expand to 3D-4K in the future. Manufacturers seem to be head-
ing in that direction, with one company recently launching a 3D-4K
microscope with a heads-up display. Until surgical robots are equipped
with that technology, Dr. Eun says that he'll continue to take the
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