Video display system for locating a projected image adjacent a surgical field

A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a patient to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to an adjacent portion of an optical path and adjacent a sterile operative field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. An initially sterile display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the sterile field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen. The initially sterile display screen may be degradable upon cleaning and resterilization so that a new screen must be used with each procedure, thus insuring the optical quality and sterility of the screen. The display screen may be supported adjacent the surgical field by an articulated rod assembly. The rod assembly may have an upper rod shaped like a "dog leg" for providing easy access by the surgical team for rotating and moving the system up and down. A lower rod of the rod assembly may be connected to the upper rod with a universal joint for adjusting screen location and quickly moving the display screen out of the surgical field.