Application of the ORBEYE three‐dimensional exoscope for microsurgical procedures

Abstract

BackgroundAdvances in digital imaging, screen technology, and optics have led to the development of extracorporeal telescopes, also known as exoscopes, as alternatives to surgical loupes (SLs) and traditional operating microscopes (OMs) for surgical magnification. Theoretical advantages of the exoscope over conventional devices include improved surgeon ergonomics; superior three‐dimensional, high‐definition optics; and greater ease‐of‐use. The ORBEYE exoscope, in particular, has demonstrated early efficacy in the surgical arena. The purpose of this study was to compare the ORBEYE with conventional microscopy.MethodsIn this case–control pilot study, we compared the ORBEYE (n = 22) with conventional microscopy (n = 27) across 49 consecutive microsurgical cases during a 6‐week period. Both visualization methods consisted of breast, and head and neck cases, while the ORBEYE was also used for extremity and lymphedema microsurgical cases. The ORBEYE was utilized during flap dissection and microvascular anastomosis. Baseline demographics, operative time, ischemia time, and intra‐ and postoperative microvascular complications were examined and compared. Attending surgeons completed an ergonomics and performance survey postoperatively comparing the ORBEYE with their previous use of SL/OM using a 5‐point Likert scale.ResultsThere was no difference in operative time (507 ± 132 min vs. 522 ± 139, p = .714), ischemia time (77.9 ± 31.4 min vs. 77.5 ± 36.0, p = .972), or microsurgical complications (0% vs. 4%, p = 1) between the ORBEYE and conventional microscopy groups. In a survey administered immediately postoperatively, surgeons reported favorable ergonomics, excellent image quality, and ease of equipment manipulation using the exoscope.ConclusionsThe ORBEYE is an effective microsurgical tool and may be considered as an alternative to conventional optical magnification technology.

Retrosigmoid Approach in the Supine Position Using ORBEYE: A Consecutive Series of 14 Cases

“…Recently, the exoscope has been proposed as an alternative to the microscope in the field of neurosurgery. [1][2][3][4][5][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] One of the merits of exoscopes, including ORBEYE, is that they are superior to microscopes in terms of ergonomic features. The advantage of our method mainly depends on the excellence of the ergonomic operability.…”

Use of the ORBEYETM Exoscope in General Surgery: The Advent of Video-Assisted Open Surgery

“…Moreover, the surgeon's eyes need to be continually fixed to the microscope's eyepiece leading to fatigue. As reported by Ahmad et al, 10 decreased professional well-being and work-related disabilities are widespread and serious issues for surgeons. Table 2.…”

“…Moreover, the surgeon’s eyes need to be continually fixed to the microscope’s eyepiece leading to fatigue. As reported by Ahmad et al, 10 decreased professional well-being and work-related disabilities are widespread and serious issues for surgeons. This is so particularly in the field of microsurgery where many hours are spent using a microscope or with one’s head weighed down by loupes and a headlight which results in chronic pain, osteoarthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine, and ultimately a shortened career.…”

High‐definition three‐dimensional exoscope for head and neck reconstruction: Prospective analysis of 27 consecutive patients

“…Experienced surgeons and nurses completed a survey composed of 12 items assessing the most important features of the system. The possibility to perform microsurgical anastomoses with the aid of an OE is becoming increasingly widespread 8,10‐12,16 . However, the advantages and the disadvantages of this system are still unclear due to heterogeneous data from the current literature.…”