In microsurgery, the success of the operation depends largely on identifying details.
For example, the surgeon needs a high magnification factor. A moment later, a wide field of view can be necessary to provide an overview of the field of operation. Or the procedure requires a quick change of the working distance or the working position.
Leica Microsystems’ Headmounted Microscopy embodies an entirely new way of thinking: miniaturizing high-end surgical microscopes and combining them with the versatility and ergonomics of headmounted systems such as loupes.
Seamless changeover between different angles
An advantage the Headmounted Microscope has over previously used loupes is the ability to adapt the magnification quickly and dynamically. The surgeon can switch conveniently between the overview and detail view without having to interrupt the operation to do so.
Unlimited mobility and ergonomics
Headmounted Microscopy opens up a previously unknown degree of freedom of movement. Unlike the loupe, it is not limited to a fixed working distance. Thanks to the Headmounted Microscope, the surgeon is no longer limited in his or her posture. The surgeon enjoys full freedom of movement and can work longer without fatigue.
One-of-a-kind in all the world
The Leica HM500 (formerly Varioscope M5) is the world's first and only headmounted stereomicroscope, and is featured in our product line.
Applications Leica HM500 for Surgery
What surgeons say ...
01 December 2009
Prof. Roland Hetzer
Prof. Bingur Sönmez
Paul Sungler, M.D.
Prof. Bruno Battiston
Kirk Churukian, M.D.
Anup Patel, M.D.
Michael Rauchenwald, M.D.
Javier Márquez, M.D.
Univ. Prof. Heinrich Magometschnigg
Roberto Pareschi, M.D.
Cardio Surgery:
Wider Spectrum of Cases
"The system widens up the field of borderline cases, where we would have considered that the structures are too small to operate on them, but with the Headmounted Microscope these cases become operable."
Prof. Roland Hetzer, German Heart Institute Berlin, Germany
Cardio Surgery:
An Integral Part of my Daily Practice
"With the Headmounted Microscope I’m able to do anastomosis and grafts in a faster way. E.g. sometimes I only plan 3 vessels on the angiogram, but during the operation I decide to make 5 grafts, which is in the end much better for the patient."
Prof. Bingur Sönmez, Memorial Hospital Istanbul, Turkey
General Surgery:
Add quality of life for the patient
"The Headmounted Microscope has tremendously changed my way of working. There is hardly any blood anymore during thyroid surgery, because I am able to distinguish between nerves and all the other structures far better than if I would have an obscure field."
Paul Sungler, M.D., Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
Trauma & Plastic Reconstructive Surgery:
A Real Help for the Human Eye
"The Headmounted Microscope gave me more freedom of movement and the possiblity to change the magnification – and this is not possible with my loupes."
Prof. Bruno Battiston, Centro Traumatologico Torino, Italy
Plastic Reconstructive Surgery:
Efficiency to Deliver the Best Patient Care
"The Headmounted Microscope doesn’t only improve my ability to treat my patients, but also improves my own and the operating room efficiency – and therefore decreases the overall cost, not only for the patient, but also for me."
Kirk Churukian, M.D., Aesthetic Images Los Gatos, CA, USA
Urology:
Create Ownership for the Procedure
"The camera is really important, as everybody in the O.R. can see what I’m doing – and so that every single team member feels ownership in the procedure. This is the way to get everyone to produce their best and ultimately to deliver the best patient outcome."
Anup Patel, M.D., St. Mary’s Hospital London, UK
Urology:
One device for all cases
"In urology you need variable magnification, e.g. for varicocele or vasvas you work on superficial structures but for radical prostatectomies you work deep in the narrow pelvis. With the Headmounted Microscope you can do all these operations with just one device."
Michael Rauchenwald, M.D., Donauspital / SMZ Vienna, Austria
Foetal Surgery:
Helping Children to be Born Healthy
"At the moment of the caesarian and the intubation, everyone involved has to act quickly and precisely. It is an enormous advantage for me to be able to move unhampered in my operating environment, to move my hands freely and to have all key areas illuminated."
Javier Márquez, M.D., Virgen del Rocio Hospital Seville, Spain
Vascular Surgery:
More Quality of Life for the Patient
"You can only operate on what you can see – and you never see enough. Visual aids have thus become important companions in my career. Consequently, the Leica HM500 has replaced all my surgical loupes, as it is a real help in every single phase of surgery."
Univ. Prof. Heinrich Magometschnigg, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
Maxillofacial Surgery:
Freedom of Movement Combined with Outstanding Vision
"For the maxillofacial approach, the Leica HM500 offers clear advantages over the traditional microscope in positioning and angle of light."
Roberto Pareschi, M.D., Legnano Hospital Milan, Italy
To hear the full interviews, watch our Video on Headmounted Microscopy or read the articles below.
Surgical cases
14 October 2009
Leica HM500 Headmounted Microscope
Worldwide some 700.000 surgeons are working in special fields in which this evolutionary technology has become absolutely essential:
Vascular, cardio and thoracic, plastic reconstructive, cosmetic, pediatric, orthopedic, spine, ENT, general and trauma surgery, and urology.
Leica HM500 User Videos
Leica HM500 User Reports
- Vascular Surgery with Leica HM500 (pdf, english, 6MB)
- Gefaesschirugie mit Leica HM500 (pdf, deutsch, 224K)
- Foetal Surgery with Leica HM500 (pdf, english, 105K)