Faster and safer microsurgery thanks to state-of-the-art microscope | News

Patients undergoing microsurgery at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust are set to benefit from a new piece of state-of-the-art technology.

The Plastic Surgery Unit at the Trust is one of only three plastic departments in the country with access to the highly advanced microscope.

The equipment provides 3D imagery, which allows for better visualisation and precision for surgeons in theatre. It will also be used for teaching.

It will be used in all microsurgery, including DIEP flap breast reconstructions, where the person’s own tissue is used to recreate the breast. It will also benefit patients having certain ear nose and throat (ENT) procedures.

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Will Holmes said: “I am delighted that we have this technology available to us here at the Trust and look forward to utilising it in future procedures.

“It allows us to work with even greater precision, and improved ergonomics to reduce surgeon fatigue and human error. The screen gives the user a much better depth of field, allowing for faster and safer microsurgery.

“The enhanced magnification means we can repair some of the smallest vessels in the body - around 0.5mm. This means our unit is one step closer to being able to help patients who suffer with debilitating lymphoedema, which causes swelling of the arm.

“The large high-definition screen means it offers a superior teaching experience for both scrub nurses and trainees, providing a more immersive experience.”

Stuart Bond, Director of Innovation at the Trust added: “As a Trust we understand the importance of continuous improvement and encourage our staff to think about how we can do things differently for the benefit of our patients.

“As a Teaching Trust, investing in state-of-art technology like this visualisation system also ensures we provide our trainees with the top-quality education and training they can’t get anywhere else.”