Technology
support for healthcare providers that have installed our technologies.” He further explained that some of the training courses are being recorded on video, and these will be shared via an online platform in the future. There will also be a programme of courses (currently being CPD accredited) and these will be made available via an App and online, to facilitate flexible learning. This is in addition to the provision of in-person training. “We have recently installed AEDs (defibrillators) and provided training to support this online,” Guy explained. “We are now seeking to expand our training provision across other technology areas.” During the tour of the facility, Guy highlighted 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. The touch-control panels enable the theatre
team to control the humidity and temperature within the room, the functioning of the ultra- clean canopy, keep track of the surgery duration (or how long patient can be cooled in some procedures), and receive alerts relating to the power supply, for example. He 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, improve workflow by providing a safe and organised environment for clinical staff, and are easy to maintain and
service. The pendant range includes provision for medical gas services (e.g. oxygen), and 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 400kg (e.g. monitors, anaesthetic machines). It also offers provision for cable management – so cables can be hidden away to help prevent patients and clinical staff from trips and falls. LED lighting provides gentle ambient light (side and up-lighting) and illumination for reading notes (down-lighting), while the pendants also offer provision for medical poles – with three integral 25mm 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,” commented Guy. Since 2004, Starkstrom have also been the
exclusive UK distributor of KLS Martin operating lights, which include the marLED range. During the tour, Guy demonstrated the latest generation in operating theatre lights - the new X-Series. He explained that these are among the most technically advanced lights available
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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 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
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