used xenon for a long time prefer it.
• Control. The most basic mechanisms for controlling the camera
are hard buttons on the camera head. I've found surgeons prefer hav-
ing this immediate and total control. But we're now seeing other
methods of control emerge, such as remote controls and tablet apps.
Having an attendant control the camera via an app might be a good-
to-have feature, but keep in mind that most surgeons want absolute
and full control over the camera.
• Presets. Some systems offer the ability to preprogram specific
image and video settings for different surgeons or procedures. This
can be very helpful in reducing turnaround times and maximizing OR
utilization.
• Trial. Have your surgeon 4K champion(s) spend a month or so
with each camera system so they can evaluate the optics and other
features. You won't be able to determine yourself how a surgeon
really looks at a particular tissue or anatomy, or what color render-
ing he likes best. It's all in the eyes of the ultimate beholder: the sur-
geon. If you purchase a system they don't like, they won't use it.
OSM
Mr. Soudagar (suraj.s.soudagar@imegcorp.com) is principal in the health-
care unit at IMEG, a design and engineering consulting firm. He is based in
IMEG's Naperville, Ill., office.
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