Operating microscope
Encyclopedia
An operating microscope is an optical microscope
specifically designed to be used in a surgical setting, typically to perform microsurgery
.
Design features of an operating microscope are: magnification typically in the range from 4x-40x, components that are easy to sterilize
or disinfect in order to ensure cross-infection control.
There is often a prism
that allows splitting of the light beam in order that assistants may also visualize the procedure or to allow photography
or video
to be taken of the operating field.
An example of a procedure which commonly uses an operating microscope would be endodontic retreatment
, where the magnification provided by the operating microscope improves visualisation of the anatomy
present leading to better outcomes for the patient. Another example might be an anastomosis
procedure carried out to join blood vessels in vascular surgery
.
Typically an operating microscope might cost several thousand dollars for a basic model, more advanced models may be much more expensive. Additionally specialized microsurgical instruments may be required to make full use of the improved vision the microscope affords. It can take time to master use of an operating microscope.
Fields of medicine that make significant use of the operating microscope include dentistry
(especially endodontics
), ENT surgery, opthalmic surgery, and neurosurgery
.
Microscope
A microscope is an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy...
specifically designed to be used in a surgical setting, typically to perform microsurgery
Microsurgery
Microsurgery is a general term for surgery requiring an operating microscope. The most obvious developments have been procedures developed to allow anastomosis of successively smaller blood vessels and nerves which have allowed transfer of tissue from one part of the body to another and...
.
Design features of an operating microscope are: magnification typically in the range from 4x-40x, components that are easy to sterilize
Sterilization (microbiology)
Sterilization is a term referring to any process that eliminates or kills all forms of microbial life, including transmissible agents present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media...
or disinfect in order to ensure cross-infection control.
There is often a prism
Prism (optics)
In optics, a prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. The exact angles between the surfaces depend on the application. The traditional geometrical shape is that of a triangular prism with a triangular base and rectangular sides, and in colloquial use...
that allows splitting of the light beam in order that assistants may also visualize the procedure or to allow photography
Photography
Photography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
or video
Video
Video is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
to be taken of the operating field.
An example of a procedure which commonly uses an operating microscope would be endodontic retreatment
Endodontic retreatment
Endodontic retreatment describes a dental root canal procedure procedure that is carried out on a tooth that has previously had root canal treatment. For this reason it is also called "repeat root canal treatment"....
, where the magnification provided by the operating microscope improves visualisation of the anatomy
Anatomy
Anatomy is a branch of biology and medicine that is the consideration of the structure of living things. It is a general term that includes human anatomy, animal anatomy , and plant anatomy...
present leading to better outcomes for the patient. Another example might be an anastomosis
Anastomosis
An anastomosis is the reconnection of two streams that previously branched out, such as blood vessels or leaf veins. The term is used in medicine, biology, mycology and geology....
procedure carried out to join blood vessels in vascular surgery
Vascular surgery
Vascular surgery is a specialty of surgery in which diseases of the vascular system, or arteries and veins, are managed by medical therapy, minimally-invasive catheter procedures, and surgical reconstruction. The specialty evolved from general and cardiac surgery...
.
Typically an operating microscope might cost several thousand dollars for a basic model, more advanced models may be much more expensive. Additionally specialized microsurgical instruments may be required to make full use of the improved vision the microscope affords. It can take time to master use of an operating microscope.
Fields of medicine that make significant use of the operating microscope include dentistry
Dentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...
(especially endodontics
Endodontics
Endodontics is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and deals with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth...
), ENT surgery, opthalmic surgery, and neurosurgery
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders which affect any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spine, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.-In the United States:In...
.