Using a Smartphone as an Exoscope Where an Operating Microscope is not Available.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Device Innovation
• Global Health Technology

Background:

• Neurosurgical operating rooms typically require microscopes for optimal patient care.
• Microscopes are often unavailable in developing countries, posing a challenge to surgical standards.
• Access to magnification is crucial for intricate spinal and brain surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a low-cost, smartphone-based exoscope as an alternative to traditional surgical microscopes.
• To assess the feasibility of using adapted smartphones for magnification in neurosurgery in resource-limited environments.
• To provide a practical solution for enhancing surgical visualization where advanced equipment is lacking.

Main Methods:

• A simple "homemade" exoscope was constructed using a shaped tin can, smartphone cover, and a bed-fixed rod.
• This setup provided magnification and illumination for the surgical field.
• The adapted smartphone was utilized as a magnifier during surgical procedures.

Main Results:

• Five neurosurgical interventions, including spinal and brain surgeries, were successfully performed using the smartphone exoscope.
• The device provided adequate magnification, enabling surgeons to overcome the absence of standard magnification systems.
• The smartphone-based exoscope proved effective in facilitating surgical procedures.

Conclusions:

• A smartphone-based exoscope offers an affordable and accessible magnification solution for neurosurgery.
• This innovation can significantly improve surgical capabilities in developing countries lacking advanced equipment.
• The system demonstrates the potential of readily available technology to enhance surgical standards in resource-limited settings.