Cable Guide for Multiple Accessory Cords on the Operating Microscope

It has been three decades since the operating microscope for otologic surgery was introduced into the United States. Today's surgical microscope is used not only for surgery but also for still photography, motion pictures, and videotape recordings. The needs of photography are such that additional fiberoptic light sources or strobe flash units are often attached to the operating microscope for illumination during photography. Each accessory uses a cord or cable to its electrical source, causing a myriad of cords to be serried alongside the extension arms of the microscope. Multiple cables frequently become entangled and create drag, which restricts the mobility of the microscope. A cable-carrying guide system of stainless steel rods shaped into open spirals of approximately one and one-half turns is described. The system contains the accessory cords while permitting full mobility of the microscope during surgical procedures.