A Comparison of Commercially Available Digital Microscopes for Their Use in Bench-Model Simulation of Microsurgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Digital Microscopy

Background:

• Surgical education is shifting towards online platforms for remote learning and simulation.
• Simulation training enhances educational access, reduces costs, and minimizes patient risk.
• This study evaluates digital microscopes as potential remote microsurgery simulation tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare commercially available digital microscopes with a standard binocular surgical microscope.
• To assess the suitability of digital microscopes for remote microsurgery simulation.
• To determine if digital microscopes can serve as an alternative training tool.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated three digital microscopes and one smartphone against a binocular table microscope.
• Collected product characteristics and conducted a subjective assessment using an 11-criteria questionnaire (5-point scale).
• Utilized the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare digital microscopes with the standard binocular microscope.

Main Results:

• 31 participants (consultants, registrars, trainees, students) completed the assessment.
• Digital microscopes were more affordable and convenient for trainees, though smartphone costs were notable.
• The Plugable USB Digital Microscope (PLDM) was rated most similar to the standard microscope; all digital microscopes had shallow depth of field.

Conclusions:

• The Plugable USB Digital Microscope (PLDM) presents a cost-effective and accessible option for junior trainees.
• PLDM supports microsurgical skill acquisition in the evolving landscape of remote surgical education.
• Digital microscopes can supplement traditional methods in surgical training.