Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787980
A Comparison of Commercially Available Digital Microscopes for Their Use in Bench-Model Simulation of Microsurgery
Funding None.
Abstract
Background Surgical education has seen a transition in the delivery of training, with increased use of online platforms to facilitate remote learning. Simulation training can increase access to education and reduce cost implications, while reducing patient risk. This study aims to compare commercially available digital microscopes, alongside a standard binocular surgical microscope, and determine whether they can be used as an alternative tool for remote microsurgery simulation.
Methods Data were collected for a total of four microscopes, including three commercially available digital microscopes, smartphone, and a binocular table microscope. Product characteristics were collated, and a subjective assessment was conducted using an 11-criteria questionnaire, graded with a 5-point scale. Results of digital microscopes were compared with the table binocular microscope.
The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the performance of digital microscopes to the standard binocular microscope
Results The questionnaire was completed by 31 participants: two consultants, nine surgical registrars, fourteen junior trainees, and six medical students. Digital microscopes were found to be significantly more affordable and convenient for trainees; however, the cost of the smartphone was significant. Overall, the Pancellant Digital Microscope performed the poorest, with trainees commenting on its unsuitability for surgical practice; the Plugable USB Digital Microscope (PLDM) was rated overall most like the binocular table microscope. The Depth of field was shallow in all digital microscopes.
Conclusion With the increasing role of remote learning and simulation training in surgical education, the PLDM can provide a cheaper, more accessible alternative for junior trainees, in their pursuit of microsurgical skill acquisition.
Disclosure
This work has not previously been presented in any format. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Author Contributions
1. L.A.: Study design, methodology, data collection, synthesis, writing.
2. Z.A.: methodology, data collection, writing.
3. B.L.: Study design, methodology, editing.
4. A.K.: Data collection.
5. P.E.M.B.: Study design, methodology, editing, supervision.
Publication History
Received: 27 May 2023
Accepted: 22 May 2024
Article published online:
11 July 2024
© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
-
References
- 1 Ma L, Fei B. Comprehensive review of surgical microscopes: technology development and medical applications. J Biomed Opt 2021; 26 (01) 010901
- 2 Uluç K, Kujoth GC, Başkaya MK. Operating microscopes: past, present, and future. Neurosurg Focus 2009; 27 (03) E4
- 3 Meling TR, Meling TR. The impact of surgical simulation on patient outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurg Rev 2021; 44 (02) 843-854
- 4 Teixeira RKC, Feijó DH, Valente AL, de Carvalho LTF, Brito MVH, de Barros RSM. Can smartphones be used to perform video-assisted microanastomosis? an experimental study. Surg Innov 2019; 26 (03) 371-375
- 5 Karakawa R, Yoshimatsu H, Yano T, Sawaizumi M. Microsurgery training using Apple iPad Pro. Microsurgery 2018; 38 (08) 926-927
- 6 Chen J, Xun H, Abousy M, Long C, Sacks JM. No microscope? No problem: a systematic review of microscope-free microsurgery training models. J Reconstr Microsurg 2022; 38 (02) 106-114
- 7 Sayadi LR, Fligor JE, Couchois S, Evans GRD, Widgerow AD, Lanier B. A novel application of digital microscope for microsurgery training. J Reconstr Microsurg Open [Internet] 2020; 05 (01) e32-e35
- 8 Chai A, Crank S, Mizen K, Philip J. Low-cost model using a digital microscope for learning, practicing, and maintaining microvascular surgical skills. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 59 (02) 247-248
- 9 Navia A, Tejos R, Canahuate S. et al. MicrosimUC: validation of a low-cost, portable, do-it-yourself microsurgery training kit. J Reconstr Microsurg 2022; 38 (05) 409-419
- 10 Amazon.co.uk. Low Prices in Electronics, Books, Sports Equipment & more [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 6]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/
- 11 Pancellent WiFi Digital Microscope Wireless Handheld USB Microscope Camera HD 1080P with 8 LED Mini Pocket Handheld Wireless Endoscope 1080P, 50X to 1000X USB Magnification,12 Pack Slide: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 2]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZNMMZQM/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glt_i_0WFRBFPQGZ7BX0D2CYWC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
- 12 Digital Microscope. KKnoon 1000 × 4.3” LCD Display 720P Portable LED Digital Magnifier with 8 Adjustable LED Light Metal Stand Microscopes for Children Adults Lab: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 2]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09B79H499/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glt_i_PT44TA648S11Y7QNJCA6
- 13 Plugable USB Digital Microscope with Flexible Arm Observation Stand Compatible With Windows. Mac, Linux (2MP, 250x Magnification): Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science [Internet]. [cited 2022 Mar 2]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XNYXQHE/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glc_i_4EXX8BCJ832BM2SSJ7CW
- 14 One way anova - Prism GraphPad [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 2]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://www.graphpad.com/
- 15 Video Conferencing, Cloud Phone, Webinars, Chat, Virtual Events | Zoom [Internet]. [cited 2021 Nov 25]. Accessed June 11, 2024 at: https://zoom.us/