gms | German Medical Science

Objective: To obtain proper video clip for surgery, several sophisticated cameras were used so far. Recent innovation of the small, wearable action camera with high definition video recording enables surgeons to use camera in the operation at ease without high costs. The purpose of this study is to compare the feasibility, safety, efficacy of commercially available action cameras in recording video of spine surgery.

Method: Three commercially available cameras were tested; GoPro Hero4 Silver, Google Glass and Panasonic HX-A100 action camera. Usual spine surgery which does not use microscope were selected for video recording; Posterior lumbar laminectomy & fusion, posterior cervical laminoplasty etc. The long axis of operation field spanned less than 30cm. GoPro Hero4 Silver was mounted on surgeon’s head using head strap provided by company, field of view (FOV) was adjusted until optimal center of view was acquired. Google glass was worn as same as glasses on the nose and ear, by adjustable nose pads and durable frame fits any face. Panasonic camera was mounted on the custom ear mount on the either side of surgeon’s ear. Three cameras were used by one surgeon at several spine operation and video was recorded throughout the operation. The comparison was made on the perspective of human factor, specification and video quality. The human factor included comfort, ease in wear, fatigability and possible factor to interfere surgery. Specification includes weight, dimension, battery life, diversity in function to maximize the product quality and video resolution in factory setting. Video quality include several format of acquired video, sensible resolution for showing details of tissue, appropriate field of view, ease in editing and sharing.

Results: The most convenient and lightweight device for wearing and holding throughout the long operation time was Google glass, which enables surgeon not to wear any mounting device. Unique feature of Google glass is voice command which allows surgeon to control device without contaminating touch. Image quality; All devices except Google glass supported HD format (1980X1080, NTSC 24/30/48/60 frame per sec, 16:9) and GoPro has unique 2.7K (2704X1520, 16:9) or 4K resolution ( 3840 x 2160, 16:9) in 15FPS (NTSC). Google glass support 720p HD video resolution. Sensible video resolution was best in GoPro, which had advantage in editing the original video clip by magnification. Field of view; GoPro can adjust point of interest, field of view according to the surgery but Google glass has fixed FOV. Narrow FOV option was the best for recording in GoPro to share the video clip. Because Google glass has higher and fixed center of view, it could not be adjusted easily for operation field. The center of GoPro can be adjusted toward where surgeon want to be shared. Google glass’s display; the liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), field-sequential color system, LED illuminated display enables surgeon to get valid information during surgery including photos. Google glass has potential merits by using application programs in the future. Connectivity such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is adopted in all devices, which enables video streaming for audience, but only Google glass has two-way communication feature in device. Battery life of 3 devices is not satisfactory to record whole spine surgery lasting more than 3 hours.

Conclusions: Action cameras has the potential to improve patient safety, operator comfort, and procedure efficiency in the field of spinal surgery. Broadcast a surgery through the use of action camera can achieve efficient education, video based coaching and teleconsultation through various application. In the future with developing of the device and applied program, action camera can be a valuable tool to leap up in the spine surgery by realizing the virtually augmented surgery.