Automated photography in microsurgery

An automated method is proposed for photographing a microsurgical field that avoids missed photographs and time-consuming manipulations. The basic principles applied to microscopic photography are briefly reviewed and instructions are provided for standardized, reproducible, high quality photographs. A limitation at present is that auto-focusing cameras have not yet been adapted for use with surgical microscopes. One type of microscope is discussed and details about the only camera system currently suitable for such a microscope are described.