Surgeons are embracing the wave of advanced technologies, such as digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems, that are transforming the landscape of operating rooms. These cutting-edge tools offer numerous advantages, including expanded field of view, increased resolution and magnification, integration of data into images, and ergonomic benefits. They have become an integral part of surgical practice, with experts affirming that they are here to stay.
Maria H. Berrocal, an esteemed practitioner from San Juan, Puerto Rico, recently discussed the impact of these technologies during a presentation at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. She emphasized that digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems are not only the present but also the future of surgical practice. The rapid advancement of these technologies is continuously improving surgical outcomes and empowering surgeons to perform high-precision maneuvers.
The introduction of 3D viewing systems has revolutionized the way surgeons operate. By providing simultaneous magnified viewing capabilities, these systems enable surgeons to focus on both the posterior pole and the retinal periphery. They offer an expanded field of view and improved depth of field, enhancing visualization and precision. Additionally, 3D technology can enhance different structures and provide a clear view even under air.
Various advanced platforms are available in the market to support these technologies. For instance, Alcon’s Ngenuity is an open platform that offers a large viewing LED screen with customized images and data fusion capabilities. Zeiss Artevo 800, on the other hand, provides ocular and screen visualization, integrating intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) for enhanced precision. Each platform presents unique advantages and limitations, catering to the diverse requirements of surgeons.
As technology continues to evolve, the field of robotics also holds great promise for vitreoretinal surgery. Researchers are developing robotic systems that utilize artificial intelligence (AI), enabling “smart surgery.” These systems aim to compensate for surgeon tremor, stabilize the eye, and perform highly precise maneuvers such as subretinal injections and vessel canalization. Although commercially available options are currently limited, the Zeiss Preceyes Surgical System represents a significant step forward in robotic-assisted surgery.
In conclusion, the integration of digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems into operating rooms has revolutionized surgical practice. The enhanced visualization, precision, and maneuverability offered by these technologies are transforming the way surgeons operate, leading to improved patient outcomes. As technology continues to advance, the future of surgery holds even greater promise with the integration of AI and robotic systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems enhance surgical practice?
Digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems offer an expanded field of view, increased resolution and magnification, integration of data into images, and ergonomic benefits. They provide surgeons with improved visualization, precision, and maneuverability, leading to better surgical outcomes.
2. What are the advantages of 3D viewing systems in surgery?
3D viewing systems enable simultaneous magnified viewing of the posterior pole and retinal periphery. They offer an expanded field of view, increased depth of field, and clear visualization even under air. These systems enhance surgeons’ ability to visualize and operate with precision.
3. What are some notable platforms available for digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems?
Platforms such as Alcon’s Ngenuity and Zeiss Artevo 800 provide different features and capabilities to support digital microscopes and 3D visualisation systems. These platforms offer customized images, data fusion, and ocular and screen visualization, among other advancements.
4. How does robotics contribute to vitreoretinal surgery?
Robotic systems are being developed to enable “smart surgery” by utilizing artificial intelligence. These systems aim to compensate for surgeon tremor, stabilize the eye, and perform highly precise maneuvers such as subretinal injections and vessel canalization. Although currently limited in availability, they hold great promise for the future of surgery.
5. What is the future of surgical practice?
The future of surgical practice lies in the continual advancement of technologies such as digital microscopes, 3D visualisation systems, and robotic-assisted surgery. These innovations, combined with the integration of AI, will further enhance surgical precision and patient outcomes.