FAQ

1. What is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?
2. How does the 3Di Vision System achieve a high resolution 3-D image?
3. Why do I need 3-D?
4. Where is the 3Di Vision System being used now?
5. What is the difference between robotic surgery and 3-D surgery with the 3Di Vision System?
6. Is Viking Systems’ technology patented?
7. What procedures have been performed using the 3Di Vision System? What additional procedures are possible?
8. Does the 3Di Vision System have FDA Clearance?

Q: What is Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)?

A: MIS is surgery typically performed through small incisions, or operating ports, rather than large incisions,  resulting in shorter recovery times, fewer complications, reduced hospitalization costs and reduced trauma to the patient. While MIS has become standard-of-care for particular surgical procedures, it has not been widely adopted for more complex or delicate procedures – for example, prostatectomy and radical hysterectomy. One of the obstacles surgeons are confronted with in transitioning between open and minimally invasive procedures is adequate visualization of the surgical field.

Q: How does the 3Di Vision System achieve a high-resolution 3D image?

A: The Viking 3Di Vision System reproduces binocular stereo vision very similar to the way your eyes do. The 3Di Camera head contains two eyes.  Dual CCD’s act as eyes and deliver separate right and left eye views of what the laparoscope is seeing.  The right and left images are delivered to the corresponding right and left high definition miniature displays in the surgeon’s personal head display; the surgeon’s brain assimilates the two images and fuses them into a 3D stereo image.

To learn more, read ABOUT VISION.

Q: Surgeons are using either 2D vision or robotics during minimally invasive surgery. Why do I need 3D?

A: Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the 3Di Vision System over traditional 2D and robotic approaches have been greater surgical precision, improved dexterity, shorter operative times and enhanced visualization.

Q: Where is the 3Di Vision System being used now? Where can I schedule my 3D Surgery?

A: The 3Di Vision System is currently being used worldwide.  Major centers in the U.S. include Washington University’s Barnes-Jewish Hospital, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Stanford University Medical Center, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  The list of major academic centers adopting Viking's 3D technology continues to grow. 

To find your nearest hospital offering Viking's 3Di technology, please contact Discover3D@vikingsystems.com.

Q: Robotic surgical systems also employ 3D optics.  What is the difference between robotic surgery and 3D surgery with the 3Di Vision System?

A:  Both technologies offer 3D vision.  With robotics, the surgeon works at a distance from the patient using mechanical arms that manipulate surgical instruments inside the body.  Viking's 3Di offers 3D, however the surgeon is directly holding the instruments inside the patient's body.

Q: Is Viking Systems’ technology patented?

A: Yes. Viking Systems has an extensive patent portfolio, which includes both internally developed technologies as well as patents exclusively licensed from leaders in surgical solution technologies.

Q: What surgical specialties perform procedures using the 3Di Vision System? What additional procedures are possible?

A: Viking's 3Di Vision System has been used in a variety of specialties, including urology, gynecology, general surgery, cardiology, and neurosurgery.  The types of procedures performed range from laparoscopic radical prostatectomies to radical hysterectomies to complex ENT and neurosurgery procedures.

Q: Does the 3Di Vision System have FDA Clearance?

A: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the 3Di Vision System for a wide range of surgical procedures in a variety of surgical specialities.