A comparison of the resolution provided by different imaging systems and display media in surgery

In microsurgery and in endoscopy in particular, the resolution provided by different imaging systems and display media is often a subject of discussion. Starting with the concept of contrast transfer, the terms pixel, pixel availability, and pixel acceptance are then introduced here. These parameters are determined for the applications relevant in practice for endoscopes, surgical microscopes, and the associated display media (eye, 35 mm film, video camera, and monitor). A comparison between pixel availability and pixel acceptance also allows a comparison between the different display media and the determination of the limiting factor in the image reproduction chain.