On Monday 27th May, Luca Papa, optometrist and Víttrea Sales Manager, had the opportunity to interview Dr. Juanma Pardo, a specialist in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology, in a dynamic Instagram Live via the brand’s official account, which already has almost 3,000 followers, where the doctor took us into the fascinating world of magnification in surgery.

This encounter not only served to educate viewers on the use of loupes in surgery, but also highlighted the importance of ergonomics and precision in the medical sector.

The importance of magnification and ergonomics

One of the main topics discussed was how loupes improve surgical practice by allowing greater precision and detail that the human eye alone cannot achieve.

The doctor explained that magnification is not only crucial for precision, especially in nerve and tendon sutures of the fingers, but also improves the surgeon’s ergonomics. ‘The visual system with magnification is more relaxed,’ he said, highlighting how these tools can prevent postural health problems.

Benefits and applications in surgery

Dr Pardo pointed out that in surgeries such as carpal tunnel and other tendon-related surgeries, the use of loupes is essential to reduce complications and make accurate diagnoses without the need for a microscope. With a 5X loupe, microsurgical procedures can be performed with great precision.

Differences between loupes: Galileo, Kepler and Ergo

Addressing the differences between types of loupes, the doctor recommended Ergo loupes for surgeries that require high precision and where the working field is small. He clarified that, although the learning curve for these loupes can be more complex, the ergonomic benefits and precision they offer are invaluable. ‘Ergo loupes allow you to work in a more comfortable way,’ he said.

Ergonomics and surgeon health

Dr. Pardo shared his own experience with ergonomic problems, mentioning neck pain and muscle overload due to long working hours. Ergo loupes have been an effective solution to improve his posture and reduce physical strain during surgeries. In addition, he mentioned other common ailments among surgeons, such as shoulder girdle pain and lumbar overload, which can be alleviated with the proper use of loupes.

With a chuckle, he shared an anecdote about how fellow surgeons joke about appearing to operate without looking, due to the working position that Ergo loupes require. For surgeons in training, he recommended starting with 3X loupes to get used to magnification early in their career.

Innovations: Flamingo Camera

Dr. Pardo also talked about the Flamingo camera, an innovative tool he recently tested. He highlighted its usefulness for recording surgeries in HD, which is valuable for personal review as well as for education and content creation. ‘Since I’ve tried it, I think it’s a very good investment,’ he said, praising its light weight and compatibility with any loupe on the market.

Interaction with the audience

One of the questions from the audience was about the difference between operating with headlights. Dr Pardo admitted that, although he has not yet incorporated headlights, he recognizes their importance in adjusting the illumination during complex procedures, saving valuable time in the operating theatre.

Conclusion

Dr. Juanma Pardo’s Instagram feed was a rich source of knowledge and practical advice on the use of loupes in surgery. His experience and enthusiasm for medical technology made it clear that magnification not only improves surgical precision but is also key to the surgeon’s health and efficiency. An inspiring lesson for all healthcare professionals interested in improving their practice through technological innovation.