3D Orbeye Video Microsurgery for Vasectomy Reversals

This blog, by Sheldon Marks, MD, describes a new 3-dimensional technology the doctors of ICVR tested for teaching and to see if this will help when performing microsurgical vasectomy reversals.

Dr. Sheldon Marks and Dr. Peter Burrows of ICVR were chosen to be the first vasectomy reversal microsurgeons in the world to try out a new 3D microsurgery system. Rather than the standard technique of looking directly through the lenses of their high power Leica surgical microscope, this new 3D system allowed the doctors to view the surgery though 3D glasses while watching the vasectomy reversal on a large high-definition monitor in the operating room.

“This will make a real difference allowing top vasectomy reversal experts to teach other doctors critical concepts and techniques when performing a microsurgical vasectomy reversal correctly” Dr. Marks said. Inspired by working with internationally respected microsurgery instructor Dr. Philip Li at Cornell/New York Presbyterian in New York City, the doctors of ICVR were asked to try the new Orbeye 3D microsurgery system.

Instead of performing the microsurgery through the standard binocular lenses, a 3D camera is placed onto the Leica surgical microscope which then transmits the images onto a large industrial, high definition monitor. Much like watching 3D movies in the movie theaters, Dr. Marks and the surgical assistant then wore special 3D glasses. This allowed the doctor, assistant and anyone else that might be in the room to watch the high magnification vasectomy reversal with extreme quality, so that microsutures could be precisely placed and tied.

As one of only a handful of top experts in vasectomy reversal, ICVR and Dr. Marks were a natural choice to be the first in the world to test this new 3D microsurgery system. Until now, only neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists had access to this 3D microsurgery system. Whether speaking at international conferences, teaching other doctors how to perform vasectomy reversals or developing new microsurgical instruments and now testing new 3D optics systems, Dr. Marks, Dr. Burrows and ICVR remain on the cutting edge to be able to provide the highest level of microsurgical vasectomy reversal care and the highest success rates to their patients (1).

Because both doctors at ICVR felt that the augmented HD 3D video was still not as clear as looking directly through highest quality glass optics, the doctors of ICVR prefer to use their high-powered Leica surgical microscope to perform every microsurgical vasectomy reversal. Of course, the 3D system and newer products remains a valuable tool for teaching programs where future vasectomy reversal microsurgeons are trained. Even at a recent international meeting, the doctors that use the ORBeye still admit that it is not as good as working through high end optics as we do at ICVR.

Let us explain more about a microsurgical reverse vasectomies at our full time, vas reversal only “center of excellence.” Contact us today to answer any questions and set up a no-cost phone, Zoom, Skype or Face Time consultation with one of our two doctors.

This page was reviewed, edited and updated July 13, 2023, by Sheldon H. F. Marks, MD.

Reference:

1. Gopi SS, Townell NH. Vasectomy reversal: is the microscope really essential? Scott Med J 2007;52(2):18-20.