A new video recording setup in oculoplastic surgery using a magnetic neck mount and iPhone

To describe a novel, low-cost, and high-quality intraoperative video recording setup for oculoplastic surgery using a magnetic neck-mounted smartphone holder and iPhone with the Final Cut Camera app. A magnetic neck mount (Tianzhu Insta 360, China) and an iPhone 16 Pro Max were adapted for surgical recording by securing the holder around the binocular base of the operating microscope. The magnetically attached phone provided a stable and adjustable platform, allowing intraoperative view adjustments via the microscope's handles or foot pedal without compromising sterility. The Final Cut Camera app enabled 4K video capture with manual control of focus, exposure, and white balance. Its Live Multicam feature allowed simultaneous multi-angle recording and real-time monitoring via a compatible iPad, enabling an assistant to control framing and clarity intraoperatively. A multi-port adapter was used to support continuous power and external memory. Over six months, more than 50 oculoplastic procedures, including dacryocystorhinostomy, orbitotomy, and eyelid surgeries, were successfully recorded using this setup. All recordings were stable, centered, and of high image quality. Screenshots captured during surgery clearly depicted anatomical structures under standard operating room lighting. This smartphone-based recording method offers a simple, cost-effective, and ergonomically practical alternative to traditional surgical video systems in oculoplastic procedures. Its adaptability, ease of use, and compatibility with sterile environments make it an ideal solution for surgical documentation and teaching, especially in resource-limited settings.