A three-dimensional stereoscopic monitor system in microscopic vascular anastomosis

Microvascular procedures not only demand precise movements but also usually require a long operation time. Using a conventional surgical microscope, microvascular surgeons need to keep the neck in a fixed flexion posture, which can lead to physical fatigue. Thus, our aim was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) monitoring system to improve the microsurgery environment. It consists of four main parts: the surgical microscope, the charge-coupled devices, the 3D multiplexer, and the 3D monitor. Two patients with head and neck cancers who underwent tumor resections were reconstructed with free flap microsurgeries. Both artery anastomoses were completed successfully and the postoperative courses of the two patients were smooth. Vascular anastomosis can be performed successfully with the help of the new 3D display system. Although the artery anastomosis procedures took longer than under a surgical microscope, the 3D system offers another option to improve the working environment for surgeons. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.