Computer-based desktop system for surgical videotape editing.
BACKGROUND
The educational role of surgical video presentations should be optimized by linking surgical images to graphic evaluation of indications, techniques, and results. We describe a PC-based video production system for personal editing of surgical tapes, according to the objectives of each presentation.


METHODS
The hardware requirement is a personal computer (100 MHz processor, 1-Gb hard disk, 16 Mb RAM) with a PC-to-TV/video transfer card plugged into a slot. Computer-generated numerical data, texts, and graphics are transformed into analog signals displayed on TV/video. A Genlock interface (a special interface card) synchronizes digital and analog signals, to overlay surgical images to electronic illustrations. The presentation is stored as digital information or recorded on a tape.


RESULTS
The proliferation of multimedia tools is leading us to adapt presentations to the objectives of lectures and to integrate conceptual analyses with dynamic image-based information. We describe a system that handles both digital and analog signals, production being recorded on a tape. Movies may be managed in a digital environment, with either an "on-line" or "off-line" approach. System requirements are high, but handling a single device optimizes editing without incurring such complexity that management becomes impractical to surgeons.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience suggests that computerized editing allows linking surgical scientific and didactic messages on a single communication medium, either a videotape or a CD-ROM.
Vincent-Hamelin
E
E
Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, C. Martin lagos s/n, 28035, Madrid, Spain.
Sarmiento
J M
JM
de la Puente
J M
JM
Vicente
M
M
D000703:Analog-Digital Conversion; D016251:CD-ROM; D003199:Computer Systems; D008838:Microcomputers; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods