ZEISS S88 — mobile suspension system
ZEISS S88 is a mobile suspension system used in various configurations of ZEISS surgical microscopes. It allows the head to be positioned over the surgical field and the complete unit to be moved freely. Microscopes used with the S88 system include OPMI Vario, OPMI Lumera T and VISU models. Individual configurations differ in optics, illumination, controls and equipment. Below you will find the complete microscopes currently offered with this suspension system.
Is ZEISS S88 a microscope model?
ZEISS S88 is neither a standalone microscope model nor an optical head. The S88 designation refers to a mobile suspension system, which is one part of a complete surgical microscope, alongside the head, illumination, controls and equipment. Optical specifications and clinical applications therefore depend on the complete configuration, rather than on the S88 stand alone.
ZEISS S88 is used in several configurations with different microscope models. Depending on the setup, these differ in the head’s range of motion, brake operation, illumination and controls. The S88 designation should therefore be read together with the head model, for example OPMI Vario S88 or OPMI Lumera T S88.
Which microscopes are used with the ZEISS S88 system?
The ZEISS S88 system is used in configurations including:
- ZEISS OPMI Lumera T with the S88 system;
- ZEISS OPMI Vario with the S88 system;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 210 with the S88 system;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 160 with the S88 system.
OPMI Vario is used with the S88 system in configurations intended for various surgical specialties. You can read more about these applications on the multidisciplinary surgical microscopes page. S88 configurations with OPMI Lumera T, VISU 210 and VISU 160 are intended for ophthalmology, described in more detail in the ophthalmic microscopes category. The application therefore depends on the installed head and the complete configuration, rather than on the S88 suspension system alone.
Design and variants of the ZEISS S88 system
The basic design of the S88 system is shared across different microscope configurations. The OPMI Vario configuration also includes a variant with an electric lifting column. Other differences, including brake operation, the light source and controls, depend on the complete system.
Shared design of the S88 stand
A mobile base with a vertical column, a horizontal arm and a swing arm form the basic mechanical structure of the S88. The arms allow the head to be positioned over the working field and moved within the range provided by the stand’s design. The permissible load is up to 20 kg and includes the complete microscope with accessories. The head type, optical system, light source, brake operation and controls depend on the specific configuration.
S88 with a lifting column in the OPMI Vario configuration
The OPMI Vario configuration also includes an S88 variant with an electric lifting column. It allows the stand height to be adjusted from 1880 to 2410 mm, with a travel range of 530 mm. This adjustment changes the height of the entire suspension assembly and is independent of the arm’s vertical movement. These specifications apply exclusively to the OPMI Vario S88 variant.
ZEISS S88 technical specifications by variant
The table presents the main structural specifications of the S88 system: arm dimensions and movement ranges, stand height, the base and the permissible load. The specifications of the OPMI Vario variant with an electric lifting column are shown separately.
| Parameter | Basic S88 design | OPMI Vario S88 with lifting column |
|---|---|---|
| Swing arm | length 850 mm, rotation 320° | length 850 mm, rotation 320° |
| Vertical movement of the swing arm | ±360 mm | ±360 mm |
| Horizontal arm | length 450 mm, rotation 320° | length 450 mm, rotation 320° |
| Stand height | 1880 mm | 1880–2410 mm |
| Lifting column travel range | not applicable | 530 mm |
| Base dimensions | 805 × 805 mm | 805 × 805 mm |
| Maximum load | 20 kg — complete microscope with accessories | 20 kg — complete microscope with accessories |
The light source is not a fixed feature of the S88 system. The OPMI Vario configuration uses a xenon light source with two lamps, the second serving as a manually selected backup. Depending on the version, ophthalmic configurations with OPMI Lumera T, VISU 160 and VISU 210 use a halogen module, a Superlux Eye system with a xenon lamp, or Superlux Eye with an additional integrated halogen light source. The specific light source should therefore be identified for the complete system, rather than from the S88 designation alone.
Balancing, brakes and positioning of the S88 system
The horizontal arm and swing arm change the position of the head, while the mobile base allows the complete system to be moved. Four swivel castors allow the stand to be manoeuvred, while locking pedals stabilise the base once the unit is in position. Both the base dimensions of 805 × 805 mm and the arms’ range of motion are relevant when positioning the system.
The arm’s balance is adjusted to the weight of the installed head and equipment. Correct adjustment affects the resistance when repositioning the arm and its behaviour throughout the range of motion. Magnetic brakes hold selected axes in position once the system has been positioned, but their number and release mechanism depend on the specific configuration.
What determines the price of a used ZEISS S88 system?
On the second-hand market, the price of a used ZEISS S88 suspension system depends on the stand variant, technical condition, completeness and configuration of the individual unit, including the head model, light source, controls and additional equipment. At Medical Elektro, the level of preparation is neither an offer option nor a factor that differentiates prices, because every unit offered is refurbished to the same standard. Each complete configuration is priced individually.
Used and refurbished ZEISS S88 suspension systems
The term “used” means that the suspension system has been operated before. A refurbished suspension system is a used device that has undergone a multi-stage process of preparation for sale.
Refurbishment at Medical Elektro follows one standard applied to the complete configuration of each individual unit. For ZEISS S88, this covers the suspension system together with the actual configuration of the associated microscope head, control and illumination modules, and that unit’s accessories. Each refurbished unit is presented with its own photographs and a description matching its configuration, and is covered by a 12-month warranty. The detailed scope is described on the surgical microscope refurbishment process page.
Availability of ZEISS S88 systems
The list of devices with the ZEISS S88 system is updated automatically. Availability, configuration and equipment information is provided for each individual unit.
Contact Medical Elektro to discuss selecting a configuration with the ZEISS S88 system, the equipment of available units and an individual quotation.