STEREOSCOPIC HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY INCORPORATED INTO MICROSURGICAL PROCEDURES - TECHNICAL NOTE

OBJECTIVE: We have previously evaluated video technologies that have a llowed for the use of electronic imaging during microneurosurgical and endoscopic procedures. This stereoscopic camera set and monitor/recor ding system allows for the use of stereoscopic images during surgery b y the primary surgical assistant and ancillary personnel. It also allo ws for stereoscopic recording and playback using a wide video home sys tem format. We describe a novel prototype of a head-mounted display (H MD) that allows the surgical team to simultaneously visualize the surg ical field stereoscopically and includes picture-in-picture, voice con trol, and stereoscopic recording capabilities. INSTRUMENTATION: A ster eoscopic HMD with 630 x 480 (video graphics array) pixel resolution an d the ability to display 24-bit images has been designed. This device weighs 900 g. It is interfaceable with common video display formats. R ESULTS: This stereoscopic HMD is being evaluated in a prospective mult icenter trial of open microsurgical and endoscopic minimally invasive procedures. In our experience to date, there have been no equipment fa ilures or complications attributable to the use of the display system. The equipment was well accepted by users who reported significant ben efits in visualization. CONCLUSION: The use of a stereoscopic HMD may result in improved efficiency and safety in both endoscopic and open m icrosurgical procedures. We have verified that the HMD is comfortable during the course of a surgical procedure, is reliable, and allows for accessibility to the operative field with an excellent field of view and three-dimensional perception. Positioning and dexterity within the operative field are also enhanced. Additional uses relate to surgical training, multimodal information display, and operative rehearsals.