Blog Archive

Surgical Video Strategies - Mar 17, 2009 8:36AM - By: Brian Hagen

Creating surgical technique videos are some of the most challenging productions we do at Meditech. There are some basic strategies we use to help ensure a good result. First, plan for the shot. The surgeon must understand what we are trying to capture, how we intend to get the shot, and what they can do to assist in the process. The operating room is a limiting production environment with strict protocols and sterile field restrictions. The camera requires a line-of-sight to get the shot; unfortunately we share that line of sight with the surgeon. By talking to the surgeon about the best vantage point they become aware of camera placement and how they will eventually either help or interfere with the shot. Having a monitor available so the surgeon can see what we are recording is also a big help.

Secondly, choose the right tool for the job. Many times, like in orthopedic procedures, we can shoot from a standard tripod to capture the images. Other procedures, like heart surgery, require using specialized tools to get the critical shot. Our overhead jib-arm camera set-up with remote control operation provides great vantage points. The remote control allows pan, tilt, zoom, and focus to shoot around most obstacles without infringing on the sterile field. When the surgeon eventually blocks the shot, our head-camera with integrated headlight provides an effective supplementary view. Head-cams provide a great vantage point but because the surgeon frequently glances away from the surgical site it is not a singular solution. Combining with the head-cam with the jib or tripod mounted camera works great.

Third, understand the end result. Most surgical procedures are edited to down to the most critical steps. An hour-long heart bypass procedure will eventually be cut to under 10-minutes. Knowing how the surgical footage will be combined with medical imaging is important as well. In cardiac catheterization, radiology or electrophysiology labs, seeing the fluoroscopy is many times more important than seeing what the physician is doing outside the body. By planning ahead we know when to capture the corresponding fluoroscopy either through the hospital’s imaging equipment or with our gear. Then during editing we can use picture-in-picture to best demonstrate the case.

A lot of unexpected things can happen during a surgical procedure; most of which are outside of our control. We understand that patient care always takes priority over video production and act accordingly. These simple strategies outlined above are the first steps toward ensuring a good end result. We then move onto the more advanced strategies of navigating the control desk, befriending the charge nurse, sharing space with the surgical tech and directing the physician during the case.