A Novel Use of the Exoscope for In-Vivo Microvascular Free Flaps

Recent innovations in camera and display technologies have created a new potential modus for the microvascular surgeon. An exoscope consists of cameras mounted to a flexible arm that broadcasts the image to a nearby high-definition monitor. This article details the experience using this emerging technology to perform microvascular anastomosis for 46 cases of head and neck free flaps reconstruction. The exoscope is compared against the operating microscope and we conclude that the exoscope is a viable substitute when performing microvascular anastomosis with some advantages in the areas of surgeon comfort and viewing angulation.