Automatic centering of the microscope image for vitreoretinal surgery.

Abstract

The authors report on their device, the surgical image tracker, which provides automatic compensation for movements of the surgical image within the microscope field of view, during vitreoretinal procedures. The authors developed a compact device acting as an automatic image tracker, based on video monitoring of the surgical image and translation of the operating microscope. Basic components are a standard color charge-coupled device camera and a specifically designed frame grabber for discrimination and tracking of the target image. Operation of the device is fully compatible with the usual pedal adjustments. Ready, fast, and correct automatic centering of the microscope field of view has been achieved successfully in all typical operating conditions. Video recording always is equally well centered. System operation also is effective with panoramic optics and diffuse illumination. The surgical image tracker appears to be a valuable tool to obtain well auto-centered surgical images, eliminating a bothersome task during vitreoretinal surgery.