Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Cone Beam Intraoperative Computed Tomography-based Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
Published on: August 6, 2019
Minimally invasive surgery: only as good as the picture
Nigel E Drury1, Rebecca Pollard, Jonathan P Dyer
1Department of Urology, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, UK. ned@doctors.org.uk
Background:
In minimally invasive surgery, there is increased reliance on real-time 2-dimensional images. The fibre-optic light lead is one of the most frequently damaged elements of the 'imaging chain', leading to a poor quality picture.
Methods:
Light leads with a honeycomb projection were connected to a light source and the resulting beam directed at a sheet of paper. Darkened sectors with diminished or absent light transmission were recorded.
Results:
All suitable light leads in routine use were examined. A mean of 22.2% (SD 7.8%) of the projection had diminished or absent light transmission.
Conclusion:
Sub-optimal endoscopic equipment was in routine use.
