Advanced Visualization in ENT Surgery: Prof. Darrouzet’s Expert Insights

We met with Prof. Vincent Darrouzet, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at the University Hospital of Bordeaux in France. The department specializes in otology, otoneurologic, audiology, rhinology, oncology and cervical surgery as well as pediatric ENT. Prof. Darrouzet and his team use the PROvido surgical microscope, and they provided us with their insights.

In the below video, he shares his first impressions of PROvido. He explains its advantages for ENT procedures: high magnification, illumination, depth of field, recording, maneuverability and flexibility. He points out that, with PROvido, the surgeon can be fully focused on the surgical procedure.

ENT procedures often require surgeons to work in small, deep corridors where illumination, clarity, and depth of field are critical. The PROvido microscope supports these needs through several key features:

• FusionOptics Technology: Combines high resolution with increased/expanded depth of field, delivering a deep, bright view in full focus so surgeons see more with less refocusing. This allows ENT surgeons to visualize fine anatomical details without continually refocusing between superficial and deep structures. The extended depth of field is particularly valuable during certain procedures, where maintaining orientation across varying tissue planes is essential.
• Ergonomic Design and Maneuverability: Enables surgeons to work in natural postures even during lengthy Otolaryngology procedures. The compact floor stand offers a stable, mobile platform with extended reach. Adjustable binoculars and balanced arm movement reduce surgeon fatigue during lengthy procedures.
• Illumination: BrightCare Plus technology protects sensitive structures by automatically adjusting illumination intensity based on working distance. In addition, Small Angle Illumination (SAI) provides focused light penetration into narrow surgical corridors.

Otology: high magnification levels and exceptional depth perception aid. The ability to clearly visualize minute ossicular structures reduces the risk of damage to surrounding critical anatomy and improves prosthesis placement accuracy [2].

Laryngology: laser surgery on the vocal folds benefits from high-resolution optical detail and ergonomic comfort, enabling precise tissue ablation while minimizing collateral damage [2].

For which procedures do you recommend the PROvido?

“We can use PROvido for otological procedures, so I recommend it for all otologic surgeons. But probably also, it can be used for larger surgery, to perform laser surgery on the vocal folds.”

What features do you look for in an ENT microscope?

“I need very good illumination that can be optimized to work in narrow and deep fields. A high magnification because when I work, especially in the middle ear around the stapes, I need a very important magnification because we use it to work on a structure which measures one millimeter or two millimeters, it’s very ontological small. And this high magnification is critical for stapes surgery.

When we perform surgery in narrow spaces, and especially in trans-temporal routes going to the CP angle or going to the internal canal, we need a good depth of field. And I found this good depth of field in the Leica PROvido.”

What do you like most about the PROvido?

“The fact that the microscope is very easy to maneuver, very easy to put and to move in the operative theater. The refinement in the capabilities of the microscope, to move with one finger, one hand. The possibility of the microscope to be customized to each surgeon. The possibility to record very easily with one button the surgery you perform.”

How would you summarize your experience with the PROvido?

“We have all the main advantages that we expect when we have to choose a microscope. Finally, with this tool, the surgeon has only to be concentrated on the technical problems, on the difficulties you can encounter during surgery and the tool is not a problem for him.”

The statements of the healthcare professionals included in this presentation reflect only their opinion and personal experience. Not all products are approved or offered in every country. Please contact your Leica representative for more information.