Use of the Proneview(TM) Helmet System with a Modified Table Platform for Open Access to the Eyes During Prone Spine Surgery

We are currently conducting a prospective clinical trial to study physiologic ocular changes that occur during lumbar spine surgery conducted in the prone surgical position. However, our ability to measure physiologic ocular parameters in a safe, efficient manner has been limited by mechanical constraints of the patient head support system. In fact, we found current head fixation systems so limiting that they interfered with "in vivo" operative measurements. This study details the development of a modified head support system that provides more open access to the eye during prone lumbar spine surgery.