of 4500°K, the SSL-9500’s light could be described as vibrant, bright white, which is considered the best light for working environments.


The latest technology Sunoptic Technologies always looks to innovate, and this is why the company has ventured into developing LED light sources and headlights. There are multiple benefits of LED technology. However, previously the light intensity was not considered bright enough to be utilised in an LED battery powered headlight and could not compare to that offered by xenon products. Sunoptic says its advancements and developments have now made LED technology a serious contender to replace headlights connected to traditional xenon and halogen light sources.


A green product One of the main reasons LED is considered to be the future of surgical lighting is the effect it has on the environment in comparison to traditional lighting methods. LED uses around 60% less electricity than xenon lights, which is not only better for the environment, it also reduces overhead costs.


The SSL-9500 can


provide high quality light for up to 50,000 hours, where as many xenon modules generally have to be replaced around every 500+ hours. This means around 100 xenon light modules have to be produced, then disposed of, for each LED headlight. As the product has no moving parts, this in turn reduces spend, in the form of maintenance costs. LED headlights are highly durable - these devices work using


semiconductor materials, meaning they are resistant to vibrations and shock, which prevents potential damage. One other particular advantage the SSL-9500 headlight provides is instant light. At the press of a button the light is on and poised ready for action, whereas with xenon and halogen light sources the module has to ‘warm up’ before the product is able to be used. This is a distinct advantage for surgeons, where speed is vital. Not only is the light instant, but it can be easily controlled


with a dimming knob for smooth and seamless variations in light intensity. The field of view can easily be changed with the SSL-9500 by using the variable spot module, which can create a spot of light from 20mm up to 110mm to suit the surgeons’ preference.


Only the best Sunoptic Technologies offers a three year warranty on all Sunoptic light sources and cameras, including the SSL9500, as proof of its’ quality. All Sunoptic products are CE marked, FDA and European Class 1 approved.


Managing your costs


The annual spending of the NHS has increased by 4% a year in real terms, since it was founded in 1948. Despite this, budgets are expected to remain the same or in line with national inflation, which is well below the expected growth in demand, as people live longer with developments in medicine and modern lifestyles. The NHS has to fulfil its constitution despite these pressures (to


provide excellent service, available to all), but these demands create a sizeable funding gap. Trusts have to invest in the latest


technologies and one method of being able to purchase high- quality capital goods, such as the SSL- 9500, is to reduce the spend on consumable products.


Reduce consumables spending Uniplex is the UK distributor for Sunoptic Technologies, retailing a range of its lighting solutions. Alongside the premium Sunoptics range, the Sheffield based company markets a range of medical devices, many of which it says can reduce consumables spending.


Innovations in technology have cut manufacturing costs, while allowing product quality to improve. Several ways technology has lessened production costs include the lowering of energy costs, reduction in man power and the minimisation of errors and waste. Uniplex distributes two types of Haemostats, gelatin sponge


(Cutanplast) and oxidised cellulose (Okcel) both of which are being used throughout the UK, providing vast cost savings for numerous Trusts. Another product which could


provide savings without diminishing quality is sutures, manufactured by Meril. Meril is a global medical device company, offering sharp, strong sutures, with significant cost savings. Switching to any of these systems could free up potential funds, assisting Trusts to equip surgeons with extremely bright LED headlights and helping them to continue providing ever better quality of surgery for their patients. n


About Uniplex


Uniplex is a UK manufacturer of surgical instruments and tuning forks, a repairer of same and a distributor of medical devices with a particular focus on the Operating Room, Sterile Service Departments and Endoscopy. The Sheffield based company has a product range to cater for advancements in technology and changing customer requirements. Its portfolio includes sutures, haemostats, light sources and more. Uniplex operates a repairs service, restoring surgical instruments back to their best under their ISO 9001 and 13835 accredited service.


Uniplex (UK) Ltd, 11 Furnace Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 7AF T: 0114 241 3410 E: info@uniplexuk.com www.uniplexuk.com


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