Frequently Asked Questions
Vorotek O Scope FAQs
What is the Vorotek O Scope?
The Vorotek O Scope is a head worn alternative to an Operating Microscope. It features a converged optical system like a microscope, with brilliant LED Lighting and a portable Lithium ion power pack which provides 10 hours of on time.
What is the Vorotek O Scope used for?
It is essential for use in clinic and ENT Surgeons frequently use the O Scope in the Operating Room also.
It is ideal for:
– Wax management
– Examination of ear drum
– Mobility of ear drum
– Examining the mouth / airways
– Removal of foreign bodies
– Insertion of ventilation tubes and many other applications.
What are the advantages of the Vorotek O Scope over an Operating Microscope?
The O Scope is head-worn, making it easy to perform a quick assessment in clinic.
The depth of field on the Vorotek O scope is larger than that of an Operating Microscope. It combines an ideal working distance with the fine balance of enough magnification to be able to see clearly and instrument accurately; but without the fuss of having to refocus like with the Operating Microscope.
What is the magnification obtained from the Vorotek O Scope?
The Vorotek O Scope has been designed to deliver the ideal level of magnification (2 or 3 dioptre) at a close-up working distance of 20-40cm. This combination of magnification & working distance is ideal for almost all Ear, Nose & Throat procedures.
We have designed the O Scope with 2D or 3D for very specific reason and after much consulting with ENT’s/Audiologists.
A key benefit of the O Scope is the user can be and should be much closer to the patient compared to Loupes or an Operating Microscope. This improved proximity to the patient means less magnification is required to do the same job if you were further away. The ideal working distance for ear & nose work with the O Scope is around 25cm -30cm. The 3D works perfectly at this distance. ENT’s doing mouth work want to be a little further away and so they often prefer 2D which increases the working distance a little (around 40 cm).
How does the O Scope achieve depth perception?
O Scope is a true binocular convergence system, which is revolutionary concept in ear canal visualisation by portable means. No wonder >95% of Australian ENT Surgeons use O Scope in their clinics for grommet insertion and ear canal work.
Why is the O Scope better than Loupes for ear examination?
The Vorotek O Scope has a converged binocular optical system. In the same way a microscope works, the O Scope’s optical pathway converges the eyes to just 12mm apart. This allows both eyes to reach the bottom of narrow cavities (Ear, nose, throat) and deliver excellent depth perception.
This unique Converged Optical Pathway is what differentiates the O Scope from Loupes. Loupes are unable to achieve depth perception in narrow cavities as they only provide monocular vision.
What is the difference between Microscopes, Loupes and the Vorotek O Scope?
Microscopes
Microscopes provide the user with binocular converged optical pathways (three dimensional vision) while both hands are free to perform clinical procedures.
Loupes
Loupes systems require convergent vision to overlap two images at a set distance. As a result, users of traditional Loupes Systems typically end up using one dominant eye when working in an ear canal.
Vorotek O Scope
As with the microscope, the Vorotek O Scope provides binocular converged optical pathways for the user. This allows the user to use both eyes throughout procedures and maintain a three dimensional image of the ear canal.
To learn more about the Vorotek O Scope view our video.
Magnification and Illumination FAQs
How much magnification?
The lowest that allows optimal surgery (usability). Most more powerful loupes (eg x 4) are not user friendly.
What is the “sweet spot” for magnification?
The most commonly used magnification is x 2.5. Approximately 80% of loupes used are x 2.5.
What if extra magnification is needed e.g. for root canal work?
Usually magnification in the 5 to 10 times range is needed. This powerful magnification is only user friendly when fixed and not head worn, thus a microscope is preferred.
Does loupe quality matter?
Very much but it is hard to measure and define. Quality is a balance between clarity, field of view, depth of field and magnification.
How can loupe quality be compared?
By looking at minute writing (eg on a bank note) just looking through one loupe with one eye and then comparing the alternative loupes.
What working distance is best?
The optimal working distance is up to the individual. Working distances of 370mm, 420mm and 470mm are common options. Note that longer working distance can detract from optical performance.
Which angle of declination is best?
Research has found that a 30 degree angle of declination provides the best balance between ergonomics and eye strain.
Does head worn illumination help?
Definitely. The head shadow effect prevents overhead lights from being optimal. Oral surgeons, Plastic surgeons, and ENT surgeons regularly use head worn illumination.
Is the integration of illumination and optics important?
This makes a major difference to ease of use. “Add on” or afterthought illumination is often hard to set up and tends to move out of optimal alignment.