International Society For Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery

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Vitom-3D for Exoscopic Cardiac Surgery
Antonios Pitsis, Director.
St. Luke's Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

OBJECTIVE: The classic way of performing coronary anastomoses is with the use of surgical loupes and magnifications between 2,5 and 4,5 times. The surgical microscope, which offers superior views and magnifications 8 to 10 times, has been used by just a few surgeons worldwide the reason being that it is more difficult to set up and cumbersome to move around the surgical table.
METHODS: We evaluated a new three dimensional exoscope for the first time to our knowledge in coronary surgery. The Vitom-3D offers superior detailed views that remind the surgical microscope but instead of direct vision, they are projected on 3D, high definition monitors.
RESULTS: We found that we were able to perform coronary anastomoses with great ease and comfort compared to the ones we had been doing with the use of surgical loupes with 4,5 times magnification. The perception of depth and the focusing was superior to direct vision through the loupes. Also the setting up and handling of the instrument were easy. The illumination and the colours were rated as excellent. Also the whole theatre team had the same views with the surgeon which is very important for training and assisting reasons.
CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-exoscope offers superior detailed views and great comfort for the whole of the surgical team. It is a safe and effective tool to perform coronary surgery.


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