3D FAQ

ARE THERE 3D MONITORS FOR THE OPERATING ROOM?

3D monitors for the operating room are available. In fact, they are becoming more popular as they engage the clinical staff. The best monitors are 55″ LCD/LED and 3D glasses must be worn. 3D glasses come in two models: passive and active. The monitor dictates which model must be used (note that passive glasses are very inexpensive and active glasses require batteries). 3D monitors now come in a variety of sizes as well as 4K resolution

Please also note that there are consumer retail type 3D monitors and medical grade 3D monitors that will work with any 3D camera manufacturer. Check with your local operating room to find out which type are allowed.

WHAT TYPE OF 3D CAMERAS ARE AVAILABLE AND HOW CAN THEY BE USED WITH OUR MICROSCOPE?

Just like you have two eyes that enables you to have stereoscopic vision, you will need two cameras, one for each microscope optical pathway.

Alignment of the two cameras is absolutely critical to achieve viewable 3D. You will need a two video adapters that will be 1) in the same focal plane, 2) be adjustable on the X and Y axis. These will be mounted on side ports on either side of the beamsplitter or light router. Some microscope manufacturers have integrated video adapters that are permanently aligned at the factory.

The other thing is that the CCU for each camera must be genlocked in order for both cameras to be in the same phase. Sony is the only company that has only one CCU for both cameras and does not have to be genlocked.

3D cameras are available in 1080 (2K) and 2160 (4K).

WHY IS 3D VIEWING IN THE O.R. SO IMPORTANT?

This is a frequently asked question.

First of all, the surgeon, viewing through a surgical microscope sees operative site in stereo. The assistant (PA, Resident, Fellow) viewing the procedure through a stereo side observer sees the operative site in 2D not stereoscopic. The only way for an assistant to have a stereopsis view the same as the surgeon’s is a face to face set with the surgical microscope.

Therefore, all the clinicians have to view are 2D HD monitors. The Residents and Fellows in training will not operate with one eye, why should they train essentially with “one eye”.

Medical Grade Video Camera FAQ

WHERE DO I ATTACH THE VIDEO ADAPTER TO THE MICROSCOPE?

Usually all surgical microscopes come with a side port or a beamsplitter with a side port that can be added. Each microscope manufacturer has different size side port openings and the video adapter must match up with the appropriate manufacturer. There are adapters available if one needs, for example, to convert a Leica style video adapter to a Haag-Streit microscope side port.

Some microscope manufacturers also have built in side video ports that do not take up a side port or need to add a beamsplitter.

MATCHING SPECIFICATIONS OF A VIDEO ADAPTER TO THE CAMERA

First of all, the video adapter should be matched with the camera with respect to “chip” size. For example a 1/3″ CMOS or CCD chip should always mount to a 1/3″ c-mount video adapter. Another example is if a 1/2″ camera is attached to a 1/3″ video adapter, vignetting (shading) will occur around the image.

WHAT IS MEANT BY THE TERM "C-MOUNT"?

A surgical microscope c-mount adapter is used to connect a microscope camera to the surgical microscope side port. It has a standard 1″ (or 25mm) diameter male thread which matches with the female thread on the camera. In addition, stand-alone c-mount adapters are microscope specific and are made to match up with your specific microscope’s beam splitter/side port. For example, if a camera that is specific for use with an endoscope is used on a surgical microscope, a spacer may be required because of the distance difference of the camera lens. The adapter can be a separate stand-alone product or be integrated onto a beam splitter.

CLA Medical is a certified Haag-Streit USA distributor for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. In addition, we are a certified national reseller of medical-grade video systems and printers from Sony Medical, Ikegami Medical, and Panasonic Medical. We specialize in Ear Nose Throat Equipment, surgeon chairs, printers, print media, cameras, monitors, and recorders. Our “Build Your Microscope” tool can help you get started. We are also glad to meet with you to customize your equipment purchase and find the best combination for your operating room. We work with you and your staff throughout the process and after the installation of your equipment to ensure it is the right fit for your needs. Please contact us for further information about c-mount adapters and other medical-grade surgery equipment.

1/2″ VS 1/3″ VIDEO CAMERA

1/2″ vs 1/3″ Video Camera. In general, the bigger sensor size is better, because you can either put bigger pixels on it, or more of them, or both which translates to better images in low light situations. The smaller the sensor, the more inherent magnification. The larger the camera sensor, the better the resolution will be with less magnification. In addition, you must also consider the video lens format size. It can be either a 1/2″ or a 1/3″ and must match the camera sensor size. The video camera sensor size must match the video adapter lens format. A 1/3″ video camera can be mounted on a 1/2″ video adapter which can cause vignetting around the edges. However a 1/2″ video camera on a 1/3″ adapter will result in a larger field of view with the image overlapping the adapter lens and being cropped. So, size does matter when considering a 1/2″ vs a 1/3″ video camera.

WHY DO I NEED HD?

Do you still watch TV in black and white? Have you now invested in a flat panel LCD/LED TV monitor? Welcome to the 21st century. Most cameras and monitors are now at least 1080p/i and they are very inexpensive. The video is sharp and the OR staff will not have to squint to see picture.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CCD AND CMOS IMAGE SENSORS?

CCDs (Charged-Couple Device) tend to be used in cameras that focus on high-quality images with lots of pixels and excellent light sensitivity. CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensors traditionally have lower quality, lower resolution and lower sensitivity. CMOS sensors are just now improving to the point where they reach near parity with CCD devices in some applications. CMOS cameras are usually less expensive and most manufacturers are using CMOS chips. CMOS sensors outperform CCD in many respects, particularly as it applies to most surgical imaging, microscopy. In imaging tasks where CMOS is used in 3-chip cameras, one can fully realize the improved resolution, sensitivity, and color reproducibility which is unmatched by single-chip cameras. For typical full motion video imaging, CMOS technology continues to advance and will meet the requirements of emerging formats like 4K and advanced image processing functions which take advantage of the digital nature of CMOS. A strong advantage for CMOS technology is that it provides digital output and can be controlled at the pixel level in ways that are not possible with CCDs that provide analog output. For most applications CMOS provides the better choice

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VIDEO CAMERA ADAPTERS?

Yes there are quite a few.

Fixed focal length – no adjustments
Integrated into the light router or a beam splitter
Adapters that can change the zoom, focus and iris
1/2″ C-mount
1/3″ C-mount

Let us know what you need and we can recommend any type of adapter.

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Medical Grade Video Recorders FAQ

CAN VIDEO RECORDERS BE USED WITH ANY CAMERA SYSTEM?

This is a frequently asked question.

In most instances, yes. However, make sure the camera control unit (CCU) of the camera system has the correct output ports that match to the input ports of the HD recorder. For example, if the CCU has only a DVI output type connection and the HD recorder has a HDMI type input connection, you may need an adapter to convert the DVI signal to HDMI.

It’s always best to research the CCU output type connections to make sure they match up with the HD recorder input type connections.

Here are the different types of input/output type connections:

S-Video (non HD)
Composite (non HD)
DVI (HD)
HDMI (HD)
HD-SDI (HD)

WHAT FEATURES SHOULD I CONSIDER?

First of all, you should consider the workflow in the OR room. All recorders need a human (that being the OR staff) to start, pause, stop, download, enter patient data. You will need to place the recorder in an accessible place for the OR staff plus be mindful of the cable connection from the CCU (which is usually located on the microscope floor stand).

Recorders with remote keyboards (bluetooth/wireless) plus on-screen menus on the room monitors will save you a lot of time and frustration with respect to the room’s workflow.

The other things to consider are:

Amount of storage space
The type of input/output connections
Ability to download the data onto external media in real time
Type of external media it exports to
Programmable for each surgeon preference with respect to patient data, video format, etc.
Is it network (DICOM) compatible and do you need to purchase additional DICOM software (most recorders come with DICOM)

Video Adapter FAQ

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VIDEO ADAPTERS?

Yes there are quite a few.

Fixed focal length – no adjustments
Integrated into the light router or beamsplitter
Adapters that can change the zoom, focus and iris

Let us know what you need and we can recommend any type of adapter.

WHERE DO I ATTACH THE VIDEO ADAPTER TO THE MICROSCOPE?

Some microscope manufacturers also have built in side video ports that do not take up a side port or need to add a beamsplitter.

MATCHING SPECIFICATIONS OF A VIDEO ADAPTER TO THE CAMERA

CLA Medical is a certified Haag-Streit USA distributor for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. In addition, we are a certified national reseller of medical-grade video systems and printers from Sony Medical, Ikegami Medical, and Panasonic Medical. We specialize in ophthalmic microscopes, surgeon chairs, printers, print media, cameras, monitors, and recorders. Our “Build Your Microscope” tool can help you compare and select the appropriate options. We are also glad to meet with you to customize your equipment purchase and find the best combination for your operating room, staff, and patient needs. We work with you and your staff throughout the process and after the installation of your equipment to ensure it is the right fit for your needs. Please let us know if you need further information about the latest video and printing equipment and/or medical-grade microscopes.