Surgical Microscope Imaging System Incorporates Virtual Reality

An innovative image injection system overlays virtual reality (VR) images directly onto the operating field when viewed through a surgical microscope.

The Leica Microsystems (Wetzlar, Germany) CaptiView microscope image injection system allows images of chosen objects, including original computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiogram datasets to be superimposed directly into the neurosurgeon's eyepiece during microscopic surgery. The CaptiView is intended for use with the Brainlab (Munich, Germany) Cranial 3.1 Navigation Software, in conjunction with a Leica M530 OH6 microscope.


The heads-up display provides neurovascular and fiber-track information in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) projections, as well as on-screen video overlays visible through the ocular. The microscope integration also allows the surgeon to switch views in the eyepiece, toggling between live and pre-operative anatomical images using handle control buttons or footswitch for ease of use and uninterrupted workflow. Markers attached to the microscope enable positional tracking and autofocus.

“This next-generation augmented virtual reality tool provides real-time information in ways never before realized,” said Professor Joshua Bederson, MD, chair of the department of neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Health System (New York, NY, USA), who worked closely with Leica Microsystems and Brainlab to develop the surgical navigation tool. “We are driving and advancing the development of next-generation simulation and virtual reality technology, which can help improve patient outcomes and solve neurosurgical challenges.”

The new technology will also be utilized alongside the Surgical Navigation Advanced Platform (SNAP), developed by Surgical Theater (Mayfield, OH, USA), which is now a standard feature in the operating room (OR). SNAP provides advanced 3D visualization technology that gives surgeons an intraoperative and patient-specific 3D environment to plan and understand surgical approaches.

Related Links:
Leica Microsystems
Brainlab
Surgical Theater