Can Smartphones Be Used to Perform Video-Assisted Microanastomosis? An Experimental Study.

Background: Smartphone cameras are continuously improving. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using smartphones' magnification system to perform microanastomosis in rats.

Methods: Fifteen rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, according to the magnification system used: Microscope, iPhone 7 smartphone, and Galaxy S7 smartphone. In the microscope group, a DFVasconcelos microsurgery microscope was used. In both smartphone groups, the magnifications systems were connected to a 55-inch television through the mirror function. Animals in both groups underwent femoral artery anastomosis in the right forepaw and femoral nerve neurorrhaphy in the left hindleg. The body weight, arterial and nerve caliber, and anastomosis time and patency were immediately analyzed.

Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding body weight, arterial, or nerve caliber. The smartphones did not provide a sufficient quality of image for an adequate identification of the arterial walls. Therefore, neither arterial anastomosis nor neurorrhaphy could be completed, even after 3 hours of surgery. The first steps toward anastomosis or raffia were performed with difficulty.

Conclusion: The current video resolution and lack of stereoscopic image of available smartphones is not sufficient to perform video-assisted anastomosis of femoral arteries or nerves.