Anne Bondulich is a marketing manager for surgical products at Sony.
Q: Sony has invested significantly in developing 3D surgical imaging products, including a Blu-ray 3D recorder and a 3D medical grade monitor. 3D technology has been around for years, so why is 3D now becoming the new standard for surgical imaging? What are some of the benefits of migrating to 3D solutions?
Anne Bondulich: 3D imaging provides a truer visual experience, similar to natural sight. Until now surgeons have had to rely on 2D for imaging for minimally invasive procedures, simply because practical 3D technology wasn't available. Sony's circular micro-polarizing technology delivers life-like images. Instead of cumbersome head gear or battery powered glasses, surgeons can now wear lightweight polarized 3D eyewear, allowing them to move freely throughout the OR while viewing distortion free images without removing the glasses.
As Sony worked to bring 3D-capable tools to surgical imaging, such as during the development of the Sony LMD-2451MT 24-inch medical grade monitor and HVO-3000MT Blu-ray recorder (which were recently previewed at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress), we focused on ensuring these technologies could deliver quality images in both 2D and 3D applications. The display and recorder are 2D/3D switchable and may be used with both 2D and 3D camera systems, which makes it ideal for surgeons planning to upgrade to 3D in the future.
Q: Can you describe a few examples of when the benefits of using 3D imaging over 2D are truly apparent?
AB: 3D imaging improves depth perception and spatial orientation, and as a result can help the surgeon more easily grasp, cut and suture tissue. Some of the major benefits, as reported by surgeons, of 3D imaging have included improved dexterity, shorter operative times and enhanced visualization of neurovascular bundles and anatomical structures.
Q: How can 3D technology help the patient population?
AB: 3D technology enables surgeons to take advantage of the realistic depth perception and spatial orientation that our natural vision provides. This enhanced visualization can lead to better patient outcomes.
Q: What's next for 3D surgical imaging? For what other applications might we see 3D solutions developed?
AB: As surgery becomes less invasive, surgeons will depend more and more on outstanding imaging and display technology. At a time when surgeons are increasingly relying on the medical display as a window into the patient's body, 3D technology brings a whole new dimension to minimally invasive procedures. In the future, it can also potentially lead to more minimally invasive procedures being performed that were once limited to open surgical techniques.
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