Rapid, simple technique to extend depth of field in microneurosurgical images: technical note.
OBJECTIVE
To increase the extent of the depth of field and focal sharpness in highly magnified image series from cadaveric microneurosurgical anatomic study or live surgery photographs obtained with the operating microscope, providing a higher quality and more satisfactory photographic and imaging experience.


METHODS
We used a computer workstation, CombineZM software (Alan Hadley, United Kingdom, www.hadleyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/), an injected cadaver head specimen, and an operating microscope equipped with a digital single-lens reflex camera. Fifteen images were obtained of the dissection area through an anterior petrosal approach. The focus point was fixed to different points in each image. The images were loaded into CombineZM software for processing.


RESULTS
The stacking process of photographs with CombineZM freeware provides significant increase in extent of depth of field and wider area of image clarity, producing a sharp, high-quality image.


CONCLUSIONS
An image processed from a stack of photographs from cadaveric microneurosurgical studies or from the operating microscope in live surgery can be rendered to show extended 3-dimensional depth of field and clarity. This method offers improvements for editing, displaying, and publishing neurosurgical anatomic images.
Sabuncuoğlu
Hakan
H
Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA.
Jittapiromsak
Pakrit
P
Spetzler
Robert F
RF
Preul
Mark C
MC
D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017712:Peer Review, Research / Q000379:methods; D010784:Photomicrography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors