Leveraging 3D Printing for a Low-Cost Loupe-Mounted Camera in Surgical Education

Abstract

Background: Cleft palate surgery presents unique challenges, as it requires intricate work within confined spaces. These spaces are often obscured from the view of students and observers, limiting effective intraopera-tive education. The use of a camera to capture the surgeon’s perspective can significantly enhance both in-traoperative and post-operative teaching by providing a clear and direct view of the surgical field. However, existing solutions pose several challenges. Non-specialized action cameras are cumbersome to mount and oper-ate. While commercially available surgical loupe cameras are expensive, thus limiting accessibility.

Methods: The proposed solution employs an off the shelf, 4K 30fps, M12 mount camera, secured to the head-light mount of surgical loupes using a custom-designed, 3D-printed adjustable bracket. This ensures precise alignment with the surgeon's line of sight and compatibility with various loupe manufacturers and configura-tions. An additional Bluetooth foot pedal enables sterile hands-free operation, while a wireless video transceiver streams real-time video to external displays.

Results: The camera was tested by two plastic surgeons and delivered satisfactory results. The camera costs $84 CAD in parts and materials, weighs 28 grams, and provides 8.4 hours of battery life if streaming wirelessly in 4K at 30 fps.

Conclusion: This case highlights the potential of 3D printing to create highly customizable, low-cost solutions for addressing challenges in clinical medicine. With further promotion and awareness of 3D printing as a trans-formative technology, clinicians can be empowered to identify key areas for innovation and foster collaboration with engineers, driving the development of novel and effective tools for medical practice.