ZEISS OPMI Sensera

ZEISS OPMI Sensera is a motorized surgical microscope developed specifically for otolaryngological (ENT) surgery. The model uses an apochromatic optical system, motorized 1:6 zoom and an integrated Varioskop. The Varioskop allows continuous adjustment of the working distance from 200–415 mm and adjustment of the focal plane without repositioning the entire system each time. Combined with the motorized zoom, this makes it easier to adapt the view to structures in the ear, nose and throat.

Complete ZEISS OPMI Sensera configurations are available with the ZEISS S7 suspension system as a mobile version, a ceiling mount with a rigid column or a ceiling mount with a lifting column. S7 is part of the complete system, rather than the name of the microscope itself. Individual units may differ in their light source, controls and optional equipment, such as SpeedFokus or a video system. The exact equipment must always be checked against the specification of the individual unit.

What distinguishes ZEISS OPMI Sensera?

ZEISS OPMI Sensera is one of the ZEISS surgical microscopes, and its design was developed specifically for ENT surgery. The model combines an apochromatic optical system with motorized 1:6 zoom, a Varioskop with a range of 200–415 mm and a 180° tiltable binocular tube. Buttons on the handles can control magnification, focus and illumination brightness. Together, these elements allow the image scale, focal plane and viewing position to be adapted to work in the ear, nose and throat.

Individual units may differ in their suspension system variant, binocular tube, eyepieces, light source, controls and equipment for observation and image recording. Features such as SpeedFokus, a video system or an external fine focus module for use with a laser micromanipulator are optional. Two systems with the same model name may therefore offer different capabilities, and comparing them requires checking the specification of the complete configuration, including both the microscope and its suspension system.

ZEISS OPMI Sensera in otolaryngology

ZEISS OPMI Sensera was developed for procedures in the ear, nose and throat, where the microscope position and distance from the area being observed may change during work. The integrated Varioskop allows adjustment of the working distance and focal plane without moving the entire system. The 180° tiltable binocular tube allows the viewing angle to be adapted to the position of the surgical field. More information on the requirements of this specialty is available on the ENT microscopes page.

Optics, zoom and Varioskop

The apochromatic optical system of ZEISS OPMI Sensera works with a motorized magnification system with a ratio of 1:6 and a range of γ 0.4×–2.4×. This system changes the image scale, while the integrated Varioskop adjusts the working distance from 200–415 mm and the position of the focal plane. These are two separate functions that the operator can use according to the viewing requirements. Total magnification also depends on the working distance and the eyepieces used.

System controls, positioning and balancing

The OPMI Sensera handles are used both to position the microscope head and to operate the main system functions. Their buttons can control the magnification system, Varioskop and illumination brightness, and, in configurations with a video system, trigger photographs and recordings. The S7 system interface can store profiles for three users, including magnification, focus, brightness and button assignment settings. These profiles are a function of the relevant S7 configuration, rather than of the microscope head itself.

Balancing ZEISS OPMI Sensera involves the complete system, including the binocular tube, eyepieces and fitted accessories. A video system, co-observation equipment or components for use with a laser change the weight distribution of the complete configuration. The balance setting affects how the microscope head is positioned and held in the selected position.

ZEISS S7 variants for OPMI Sensera

ZEISS OPMI Sensera is available with the S7 suspension system in three variants: a mobile floor stand, a ceiling mount with a rigid column and a ceiling mount with a lifting column. The choice of suspension affects installation, the ability to move the system and the arrangement of space around the workstation. It does not change the microscope’s basic optical parameters.

Illumination and optional equipment

Halogen or xenon illumination

ZEISS OPMI Sensera could be equipped with halogen or xenon illumination. The halogen system uses two 12 V/100 W lamps and switches automatically to the backup lamp. The xenon version has a 180 W lamp with a color temperature of approximately 5000 K and a manually selected backup lamp. The type of light source is a feature of the system configuration, rather than a fixed parameter of every Sensera unit.

SpeedFokus and video system

Optional SpeedFokus uses the camera image and a selected region of interest (ROI) to focus automatically. This is not a function of the basic Varioskop: SpeedFokus requires a compatible camera and system configuration. Sensera can also be equipped with a video system for displaying and recording images. Different cameras, monitors and recording solutions are used depending on the generation and configuration. Both solutions are optional equipment and are not present in every unit.

Optional use with a laser micromanipulator

In a suitable configuration, OPMI Sensera can be used with an external laser micromanipulator, while an optional motorized fine focus module allows additional focus adjustment over a range of ±10 mm; the presence of these components depends on the equipment of the individual system.

ZEISS OPMI Sensera technical specifications

The table below presents the main optical and functional parameters of ZEISS OPMI Sensera. Total magnification and field of view depend on the eyepieces used and the working distance setting, so they are listed for individual optical configurations. Data for S7 suspension systems and optional equipment are not shared parameters of every configuration.

Main parameters and equipment variants of ZEISS OPMI Sensera
ComponentAvailable variants or parameters
Optical systemapochromatic
Magnification adjustmentmotorized 1:6 zoom; γ 0.4×–2.4×
Total magnification2.4×–14.6× (10× eyepieces, working distance 200 mm)
1.5×–8.7× (10× eyepieces, working distance 415 mm)
3×–18.2× (12.5× eyepieces, working distance 200 mm)
1.9×–10.9× (12.5× eyepieces, working distance 415 mm)
Field of view14–84 mm (10× eyepieces, working distance 200 mm)
23–141 mm (10× eyepieces, working distance 415 mm)
12–73 mm (12.5× eyepieces, working distance 200 mm)
20–116 mm (12.5× eyepieces, working distance 415 mm)
Eyepieces10× or 12.5× widefield eyepieces with magnetic coupling
Binocular tubes180° tiltable binocular tube, f = 170 mm; optional straight binocular tube
Varioskopadjustable working distance 200–415 mm
Illuminationhalogen: two 12 V/100 W lamps with automatic switching to the backup lamp; xenon: 180 W, approximately 5000 K, with a manually selected backup lamp — depending on the configuration
Microscope massapproximately 9.2 kg without binocular tube and eyepieces
Camera and video systemoptional equipment depending on the configuration; SpeedFokus available in compatible configurations with a camera
External fine focus modulemotorized, range ±10 mm; optional for use with a laser micromanipulator
S7 suspension systemmobile floor stand, ceiling mount with a rigid column or ceiling mount with a lifting column

What determines the price of a used ZEISS OPMI Sensera microscope?

On the second-hand market, the price of a used ZEISS OPMI Sensera microscope depends on the technical condition, completeness and configuration of the individual unit, including the S7 suspension system variant, binocular tube and eyepieces, light source, controls and the presence of SpeedFokus, a video system or a fine focus module. At Medical Elektro, the level of preparation is neither an offer option nor a factor that changes the price, because every unit offered is refurbished to the same standard. The price is determined individually for the complete configuration.

Refurbished ZEISS OPMI Sensera microscopes at Medical Elektro

“Used” means that the microscope has previously been in operation. A refurbished surgical microscope is a used device that has undergone a multistage process of preparation for sale.

Refurbishment at Medical Elektro follows a single standard for the complete configuration of each individual unit. For ZEISS OPMI Sensera, this covers the complete microscope with the relevant S7 suspension system variant and the actual optical, illumination, control and video equipment of that unit. Each refurbished unit is presented with its own photographs and a description matching its configuration, and comes with a 12-month warranty. The detailed scope is described on the surgical microscope refurbishment process page.

Availability of ZEISS OPMI Sensera microscopes

The list of ZEISS OPMI Sensera devices is updated automatically. Information on availability, configuration and equipment is provided for each unit.

Contact Medical Elektro to discuss selecting a ZEISS OPMI Sensera microscope, the equipment of available units and an individual quotation.