Leica Microsystems Launches Leica M530 OH6 Neurosurgical Microscope

Leica Microsystems has launched a new neurosurgical microscope, the Leica M530 OH6. To enable surgeons to see better into deep, narrow cavities, it is equipped with FusionOptics technology, advanced Small Angle Illumination (SAI) and apochromatic optics. The ergonomic design of the microscope enables surgeons and assistants to work in a neutral, upright posture which helps prevent strain and fatigue.

The OH6 stand provides a long reach and offers a working distance of up to 600 mm which leaves surgeons and assistants room to work in comfort even in spine procedures where long instruments are required. Thanks to Leica Microsystems' OpenArchitecture, and the modular yet integrated design of the Leica M530 OH6, surgeons can choose the options they need now and upgrade any time in the future. The instrument can be equipped with intraoperative fluorescence modules Leica FL400 for intraoperative tumor fluorescence or Leica FL800 for intraoperative vascular fluorescence as well as TrueVision 3D HD visualization.

The Leica M530 OH6 will be shown for the first time at European Association of Neurological Societies (EANS) 2014 in Prague, Czech Republik, from October 12 to 17, 2014, and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, from October 18 to 22, 2014.

"The Leica M530 OH6 takes optical quality to a new level", says Sandra Sokoloski, Director of Microsurgery at Leica Microsystems. "The instrument offers an unsurpassed view into deep cavities. Through FusionOptics, surgeons also spend less time refocusing, which means less interruption to workflow. When developing this neurosurgical microscope, we wanted to enable surgeons to stay focused on their primary objective: delivering optimal results to their patients."

FusionOptics technology developed by Leica Microsystems utilizes two separate beam paths: One path provides high resolution; the other provides depth of field. The brain merges the two images into one, taking the best information from the two sources. The result is that, compared to a microscope without FusionOptics, a larger three-dimensional area is in full focus which means surgeons have to spend less time refocusing. Premium quality apochromatic optics ensure excellent image quality.

The Leica M530 OH6 is outfitted with 400 Watt Xenon illumination. Together with Small Angle Illumination (SAI), light can penetrate to the bottom of deep, narrow cavities during procedures. The result: fewer shadows appear in cavities, more details are revealed, and depth perception is enhanced.

Several features make the Leica M530 OH6 an individually configurable, ergonomic microscope. Its long arm and small footprint keep the surgical microscope from getting in the way during procedures. "Surgeons benefit from a working distance of 600 millimeters which is the longest working distance available on any surgical microscope at present", says Sandra Sokoloski. "Our customers also appreciate the compact optics carrier, as less distance from eyepiece to objective means surgeons can work more comfortably nearer to the operative site." Customizable and adaptable optics plus binoculars with 360° rotation, an optional Leica Magnification Multiplier which increases magnification by 40%, and independent fine focusing for the rear assistant, increase flexibility for surgeon and assistant alike.

"The new Leica M530 OH6 represents the next stage in the evolution of neurosurgical operating microscopes," says Howard A. Riina, MD, Professor and Vice Chairman of Department of Neurosurgery and Director Neurosurgery Residency Program at New York University Langone Medical Center, New York. "In addition to advanced optics in a more compact head, the Leica M530 OH6 offers improvements for the assistant surgeon with better positioning and fine focus controls. Advances in Image guidance integration and 3D video capabilities all maintain this microscope as the industry standard for neurosurgical operating microscopes." On October 22, Dr. Riina will talk about aneurysm surgery using the Leica M530 OH6 on the Leica Microsystems' booth at the CNS Annual Meeting.