2.4 Digitally Assisted Vitrectomy

In recent years, advances in camera and image processing technology have enabled vitreoretinal surgery to be performed with the assistance of stereoscopic videography. A high dynamic range (HDR) digital camera is either mounted onto or integrated within the standard operating microscope, replacing the analogue viewing optics that the surgeon traditionally looks through. This digital image is then projected onto a high-definition monitor capable of supporting three-dimensional (3D)-imaging. Wearing polarized 3D glasses, the surgeon performs the surgery by viewing across at a screen in an upright “heads-up” position. Commercially available platforms currently include the NGENUITY® 3D Visualization System (Alcon, Fort Worth TX) and the ARTEVO 800 (Carl Zeiss Meditec).

Several advantages over the conventional analogue system have been suggested.[1] Improved ergonomics for the surgeon may be obtained in a heads-up position; this may reduce the risk of flexion related cervical spine pathology in the long-term.[2] Another key potential benefit is the ability to have multiple data overlays (such as intraoperative optical coherence tomography scans or toric axis markers or the vitrectomy machine parameters) simultaneously available on the same screen for easy viewing (Figure 2.4.1).[3] In addition, when 3D glasses are worn, all observers in the room can experience the same viewing clarity as the primary surgeon which may improve surgical teaching and nursing support. Finally, digital filters can potentially enhance the view of posterior segment tissue (e.g. vitreous and epiretinal membrane).