Future trends in neurosurgical instrumentation--a speculative approach

The neurosurgeon is confronted with a cumbersome array of sophisticated instrumentation with which he must cope. A multitude of tubes, wires, and cables spill about his feet and operative field, cluttering his work area and limiting his mobility. In this communication, the consolidation of power sources, improvement in the power delivery systems to the operative site, and the creation of an equipment console incorporating built-in lights, microscope, power sources, vital-sign monitors, and instrumentation are considered. The physiological condition and milieu of the surgeon are also examined. An attempt is made to outline some of the complex and provocative problems involved in improving the surgeon's physical work environment and in improving his instrumentation.