===== Microscopes and Equipment =====

==== Microscopes====
Practicing surgery with a training microscope is an effective and efficient way to pick up microsurgical skills.

====Basics of an operating microscope====

The operating microscope is a [[https://www.microscopemaster.com/stereo-microscope.html|stereo microscope]] optimized for use in surgery. The key features are:

  * Working distance (at least 200 mm)
  * Variable magnification
  * Illumination

=== Professional Grade Training Microscopes===

Our training lab uses an [[eq:Leica M651]] microscope which is very nice but also very expensive

=== Budget Microscopes ===

[[jnl:chung2017|Chung]] and his colleagues from South Korea describe using the [[eq:Nikon SMZ645]] microscope for training. Their used microscope had a working distance of 115 mm which is too close for proper microsurgery. They modified it with a 0.7 auxillary objective lens which increased the working distance to 150 mm.

=== Alternatives to Microscopes ===

  * Smartphone: [[jnl:cenzato2019|Smartphone exoscope]]
  * Lazy glasses: [[jnl:Bedi2019|Lazy Glasses]]

==== Microsurgical Instruments ====

=== Minimalist (and shoestring) approach ===
Adapted from [[jnl:chung2017]]:

  * Jeweler's forceps x 2 (1 of the pair to be used as microsurgical needle holder)
  * Iris scissors (as alternative to microsurgical scissors)
  * Alligator clamps - with teeth filed off


Choosing a Jeweler's forceps

  * 11 to 13.5 mm long
  * tip width 0.3mm