2. 3D heads-up displays
3D technology has entered into the surgical world in 2 ways: robots
equipped with 3D video, and independent, standalone systems where
viewers wear glasses to give them enhanced views of the surgical
field. These systems promise to give surgeons better depth perception
during procedures, which can be especially helpful for tasks such as
suturing or separating tissue, says Dr. Sherburne. It can also help
reduce surgeon fatigue and even improve the efficiency of proce-
dures, according to one study that looked at surgeons using 3D video
to perform mini-gastric bypass surgery (osmag.net/s8vhsd).
There are a multitude of benefits in working with the technology,
according to Robert Weinstock, MD, an ophthalmic surgeon at the
Weinstock Laser Eye Center in Largo, Fla. "First, the visualization
feels superior to oculars," he says. "You can also operate with lower
light and extreme magnification with high resolution and without as
much eye strain as you'd experience looking through the oculars of a
surgical microscope."
Dr. Weinstock finds heads-up displays more ergonomic than sitting
behind a microscope. "With the microscope, my body is locked into
one position during surgery," he explains. "With the heads-up display,
I'm able to lean forward or back, and shift around in my chair."
The ergonomic advantage of working with the heads-up displays
means Dr. Weinstock is less likely to subconsciously rush through sur-
gery to get relief from an uncomfortable position. He's also experi-
enced less chronic neck and back pain since operating heads up.
During instrument passing, Dr. Weinstock doesn't have to look away
from the microscope and refocus back into the oculars. "I use my
peripheral vision to grab the instrument instead of looking away from
the surgical field," he says. "It's much more intuitive and comfortable
than it is when you're transitioning in and out of the oculars."
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