Preliminary experience and feasibility test using a novel 3D virtual-reality microscope for otologic surgical procedures.

[BACKGROUND] Current surgical microscopes suffer from inherent constraints in achievable viewing angles and require manual interaction to control settings. Overcoming these limitations may provide benefits for otologic surgical procedures.

[OBJECTIVES] We present a first feasibility and usability assessment of a novel commercial surgical microscope featuring a virtual-reality interface and hands-free control of a robot-mounted 3D-camera.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] feasibility tests were conducted in a human cadaveric head sample based on common otologic procedures. Usability metrics were obtained from feedback forms. In a first clinical case, the device was used to perform a tympanoplasty in a 68-year-old patient with a subtotal tympanic membrane perforation.

[RESULTS] Overall practicability of using the device for otologic procedures could be confirmed in the tests. Beneficial aspects of the novel system which were subjectively encountered in the tests and the first clinical case included hands-free control, visualization quality, and teaching potential.

[CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE] The novel virtual reality 3D-microscope bears potential to provide benefits for various otologic procedures, which will be evaluated more quantitatively in clinical follow-up studies.