• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: A Single-Center Experience with the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D Exoscope for Microsurgery of Complex Cranial Cases: Technical Nuances and Learning Curve
  • Contributor: Muscas, Giovanni; Battista, Francesca; Boschi, Andrea; Morone, Francesca; Della Puppa, Alessandro
  • imprint: Georg Thieme Verlag KG, 2021
  • Published in: Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A: Central European Neurosurgery
  • Language: English
  • DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719106
  • ISSN: 2193-6315; 2193-6323
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p> Background The introduction of exoscopes in neurosurgery has been welcomed due to their maneuverability, ergonomics, and low-profile frame. 3D devices have further enabled a better stereoscopic visualization. Reports on their application, albeit more and more frequent, are still at their beginning stages. We present our experience with the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope for major cranial procedures. The strengths and weaknesses of the exoscope are presented, and the nuances associated with the learning curve are illustrated.</jats:p><jats:p> Methods Over 2 weeks, patients undergoing surgery for major cranial pathologies were offered to participate in this evaluation of the Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope. Information on the use of the exoscope was collected to assess the features and struggles in the learning curve. A comparison with the operating microscope was made.</jats:p><jats:p> Results Fourteen patients with different intracranial pathologies were operated on with the exoscope. No surgery-related complications occurred. The microsurgical part was performed with the exoscope in six cases. The exoscope was used for 72.9% (±37.5%) of the whole microsurgical time vs. 27.1% (±37.5%) microscope time (p = 0.02).</jats:p><jats:p> Conclusion The Olympus ORBEYE 4K-3D exoscope represents a useful evolution of the operating microscope. It requires time to overcome potential difficulties, mostly related to previous motor schemes acquired with operating microscopes. Its features could represent the basis for a paradigm shift in microsurgery.</jats:p>