OPERATING THEATRE TECHNOLOGY
and service. The pendant range includes provision for medical gas services (e.g. oxygen), an Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging System (AGSS) outlet to remove anaesthetic gases from the environment; and a VAC outlet to provide vacuum when used with suction control devices. This is in addition to provision for electrical services – such as electrical sockets, data points, TV aerial points, audio/ visual sockets, and nurse call systems. Pendant movement is controlled by a remote switch or central membrane panel, making it easier to carry loads of up to 400 kg (e.g. monitors or anaesthetic machines). It also offers provision for cable management – so cables can be hidden away to help protect patients and clinical staff against trips and falls. LED lighting provides gentle ambient light (side and up-
The facility has been created with a frame above the ceiling space that allows the room to be reconfigured at will.
“We have recently installed AEDs (defibrillators) and
provided training to support this online,” Guy Pomroy explained. “We are now seeking to expand our training provision across other technology areas.” During the tour of the facility, Guy Pomroy highlighted
Since 2004, Starkstrom has been the exclusive UK distributor of KLS Martin operating lights, which include the marLED range.
the company’s advanced picture archiving and communication system (PACS viewing station) and theatre control panels, which can be viewed and operated in the new live demonstration environment. The PACS technology – which provides access to images from multiple modalities, such as X-Ray, CT, MRI, and audio- visual equipment – can be designed to virtually any configuration to meet the theatre team’s needs and to help improve workflow in the operating theatre.
Humidity and temperature control The touch-control panels enable the theatre team to control the humidity and temperature within the room, the functioning of the ultraclean canopy, keep track of the surgery duration (or how long the patient can be cooled in some procedures), and receive alerts relating to the power supply, for example. Guy Pomroy also demonstrated the triangular Proteus pendant head – which has six surfaces that can be customised to meet an operating theatre’s needs. The pendants are designed to help with infection prevention practices, and improve workflow, by providing a safe and organised environment for clinical staff, and are easy to maintain
50 Health Estate Journal April 2025
lighting) and illumination for reading notes (down-lighting), while the pendants also offer provision for medical poles – with three integral 25 mm diameter IV poles and up to six Medi-Rails for mounting clinical devices and accessories, keeping the area around the patient bed tidy. “We also have a channel for data – we are seeing a trend for more and more equipment, coupled with increased connectivity, in theatres, and this is only set to increase in the future,” Guy Pomroy commented. Since 2004, Starkstrom has also been the exclusive UK distributor of KLS Martin operating lights, which include the marLED range. During the tour, Guy Pomroy demonstrated the latest generation in operating theatre lights – the new X-Series. He explained that these are among the most technically advanced lights available, and work on the philosophy of delivering the maximum level of lux at the coolest temperature possible. The new operating theatre light uses the latest generation LEDs – which are smaller, more compact, provide greater light efficiency, and use less power. Each one of the 96 LEDs can be actuated individually. Therefore, whatever the light intensity, luminous circular or oval field size, or colour temperature, the light provides numerous adjustments for the surgeon. This is in addition to fully automatic active shadow management, which ensures light is always available where it is needed for a clear view of the surgical field. The light has also been independently verified to be suitable for use under UCV canopies, and an HD camera can be integrated into the centre, to transmit video content to another location for surgical training purposes, or for archiving (a 4K option is available for higher definition). At the centre of the facility is an example of the company’s operating theatre tables – the OPT Vita, which Guy Pomroy described as being “built to last”.
Key insights into theatre builds and infrastructure It is not just clinical visitors that are now benefiting from having access to the facility, however. Architects, for example, can understand not only what goes into the operating theatre, but also what goes in above the ceiling – this enables them to understand what steel structures are required to support the equipment, for example. Mechanical and engineering companies can explore
what will be required in terms of wiring for the operating theatre space, and the critical power infrastructure being installed. With operating theatre builds, the ability to gain these insights is key to successful planning and design. On show at the facility is a range of technologies that are critical to ensuring high levels of electrical supply continuity and safety in operating theatres – including solutions for medical IT (IPS), battery back-up, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). In general, electrical safety can be compromised by either unplanned interruptions to supply (required
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