IMPLEMENTING A 3D ROBOTIC DIGITAL MICROSCOPE IN THE NEUROSURGICAL PRACTICE: FINDINGS FROM A SINGLE-CENTRE STUDY

The current era of modern devices and techniques requires improved visualization. The microscope and endoscope significantly influenced the historical advancement of neurosurgical practice, and the introduction of the exoscope has further transformed the field. This study aims to investigate the clinical implementation of the Aesculap 3D digital surgical microscope (AEOS) among neurosurgeons and their transition from (conventional optical microscope) OPMI to AEOS. Cases were documented within five months in 2022 and 2023. In this prospective study, we assessed the implementation of AEOS in correlation with the neurosurgeons' age and their transition over time We used the chi-square test and chi-square trend test for statistical significance. Additionally, we used multilinear and control chart graph statistics. The transition from OPMI to AEOS marks a period when AEOS-assisted procedures are more common than OPMI-assisted procedures performed in the clinic. The transition means that every neurosurgeon considers the primary use of AEOS in neurosurgical procedures, whether cranial, spinal, or peripheral nerve procedures. Our research indicates that the transition could be accomplished within 3 months (chi square trend test p<0,05) of use or after 19-35 (average 27) neurosurgical procedures. The age of the neurosurgeons was a significant factor in the initial transition.