Introduction: Advances in video and fiber optics since the 1990s have led to the development of several commercially available high-definition neuroendoscopes. However, this technological improvement has been surpassed by the smartphone revolution. With the increasing integration of smartphone technology into medical care, the introduction of high-quality, built-in digital cameras offers new possibilities in neuroendoscopy.
Methods: The authors present an adapter that integrates the smartphone with the neuroendoscope, thus eliminating the need for the classic video system. This novel video system has been used for surgery on patients with various neurosurgical pathologies, including hydrocephalus, subdural hematomas, contusional hematomas, and spontaneous intracerebral hematomas.
Results: The new endoscopic system was used to treat 12 patients. All procedures were successfully performed, and no complications related to the use of the new method were observed. The quality of the observed image was appropriate as smartphone cameras can record images in high definition or 4K. Moreover, improved mobility facilitates more intuitive use, as the smartphone screen moves along with the endoscope; in fact, this has been identified as the greatest benefit when compared to the standard video set.
Conclusions: Minimally invasive approaches are the new frontier in neurosurgery, and technological innovation and integration are crucial in this aspect. The use of smartphones with neuroendoscopes is safe and efficient, may represent a new method of performing endoscopic assisted neurosurgery, and can reduce equipment costs.
Patient Care: The use of smartphones with neuroendoscopes can reduce equipment costs. Accordingly, the use of a smartphone offers numerous new possibilities through video broadcasting over the internet with extremely low cost, when compared to a standard teleconference set
Learning Objectives: The use of smartphones with neuroendoscopes represent a new method of performing endoscopic assisted neurosurgery