The professional shares his experience with Víttrea’s Ergo loupes, improving precision, safety, and results for patients.
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Pedro Hernández, a prominent surgeon and Head of the Hand Surgery, Upper Limb, and Microsurgery Section at the Clinical University Hospital San Cecilio in Granada.
Originally from Almería, a city where studying medicine was not possible, Dr. Pedro Hernández made the brave decision to move to Granada to pursue his passion and obtain his medical education at the University of Granada.
Guided by a deep appreciation for the complexity of human anatomy and his desire to treat tissues with delicacy and precision, he was drawn to surgery from an early age. He recognized it as an elegant profession that required skill, finesse, and confidence, along with the opportunity to help people.
Beyond his dedication to medicine, Dr. Hernández finds peace and joy in the world of swimming. As a passionate master swimmer, he dedicates his free time to honing his skills and participating in regional and even national championships. For him, swimming is a vital escape that provides balance amid the demands of his surgical career.
Interview with Dr. Pedro Hernández
- How long have you been using magnification, and why did you start? What type of loupes have you used until now?
I started exploring hand surgery before the year 2000. As I realized the need to work with small tissues and experienced an increase in precision and safety in my results, I began using magnification glasses.
Initially, I started with a 2.5X magnification, and now I usually use 3.5X loupes for dissection procedures in the wrist, hand, and nerves. However, when I face vascular or nerve microsurgery, I need even higher magnification and resort to using the surgical microscope.
- What benefits do you think the use of Ergo loupes brings to hand surgery?
When I discovered Víttrea’s Ergo loupes, I realized the multiple benefits they offered. These loupes are lightweight and provide higher magnification, allowing me to perform vascular anastomosis and nerve sutures without the need for a surgical microscope. I truly felt that a world of possibilities was opening up. I am extremely satisfied with the results I have achieved and the comfort they provide during my surgeries.
- In addition to the advantages of a greater level of detail in the area being treated, what benefits do you gain from using this new loupe system? Has it changed your ergonomics and way of working? In what ways have you noticed it?
The Ergo loupes have provided me with numerous advantages. Previously, I used to use straight loupes that forced me to operate with my neck in an uncomfortable position. This resulted in frequent cervical pain, radiculopathy, and even cervicobrachialgia, which was quite bothersome. Much of this discomfort was due to the postures we adopted during long hours of microsurgery in the operating room. However, since I started using the Ergo loupes, I have experienced a complete change.
These loupes allow me to maintain a straight cervical spine, are incredibly lightweight, and do not generate any additional burden. Furthermore, I have noticed a significant decrease in the sensation of fatigue and a noticeable improvement in cervical pain. It has been a truly positive change for me.
- What is your overall opinion of their quality and effectiveness?
The quality of these loupes is truly fantastic. Unlike other options on the market, these loupes meet all the necessary specifications and offer exceptional quality for microsurgery. Additionally, they have been specifically adapted to my needs and physical conditions, which provides me with great confidence. Personally, I consider operating without using these loupes unthinkable. I have become completely dependent on them and have full confidence in their effectiveness.
- Do you use the Ergo loupes combined with a coaxial lighting system? What advantages would you highlight about this lighting system?
Explaining the advantages of the lighting system can be quite challenging. However, I believe it is more effective to show it with an example. In the operating room, I used to be known for my constant complaints about the lighting. But since I started using the coaxial lighting system, everything has changed. The lighting is simply perfect; I no longer have to worry about adjusting lamps or finding the right angle. Now I can see exceptionally well, which also significantly reduces tension during surgery.
- Is there any particular surgery where you find the loupes especially useful?
From my perspective, I could not conceive of performing a Dupuytren’s surgery, tumor removal, nerve surgery, or vascular anastomosis without using loupes. Most of my procedures in hand and wrist surgery, including shoulder, elbow, and forearm, require these essential tools. I perform more interventions with loupes than without them, without a doubt.
- Do you use loupes in all the surgeries you perform?
Loupes are a fundamental tool in all my nerve surgeries, tendon interventions, and hand surgery in general. Even in procedures like osteosynthesis and plate and screw placement, I consider their use essential. I would say that I use them in more than two-thirds of my surgeries.
- Do you believe that the use of loupes can improve precision and safety in hand surgery?
Absolutely. In countries like the United States, operating without microsurgical glasses in certain hand procedures is considered negligence toward the patient. The use of loupes enhances both precision and safety in surgery. It allows for faster and safer work, reducing bleeding, better respecting structures, even the smallest ones such as sensory nerves and blood vessels. This results in less inflammation, less pain, and less fibrosis for the patient, leading to superior surgical outcomes. Personally, I use loupes because they make a significant difference in the final result. With them, the chances of complications are drastically reduced as they allow me to visualize and adequately protect the anatomical structures of the hand.
- What advice would you give to a colleague who is starting to use magnification?
My advice to colleagues starting to use magnification in hand and nerve surgeries, and even in vascular grafts, is that it is absolutely necessary. Performing these surgeries without magnification is considered negligence.
At first, it may take some time to get used to loupes, so I would recommend starting with limited magnification, such as 2.5X. Once you have become familiar with them, you can progressively increase the level of magnification according to your specific needs. If it’s dissection, 2.5X or 3.5X magnification is suitable for a young person.
However, if you are going to perform vascular or nerve anastomosis, you will need higher magnifications or even resort to the surgical microscope. Any surgeon performing this type of surgery is obliged to use magnification. The trick is to start with low magnification and gradually increase it as per your requirements. You will see how the results of your surgeries will improve.
Experience the Power of Magnification
Thank you to Dr. Pedro Hernández for his testimonial and for trusting in Víttrea’s Ergo loupes to improve his way of working, with better ergonomics and a healthier posture!
If you are also considering incorporating magnification into your daily work, our team of optometrists, dentists, and product specialists will advise you without obligation.
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Contact us! Write to us at hola@vittrea.com or call our customer service number 984 491 808.