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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4
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Visualization and navigation
If a piece of OR equipment uses a camera, there's a good
chance developers are making it compatible with smartphones
and tablets.
Most scopes are slowly adapting so that you can use mobile devices
with them via adapters or wireless Bluetooth connections. This can
often replace bulky and expensive video towers, says Dr. Misra. Many
systems also let surgeons take and immediately send photos and
video to patients, other physicians or medical records.
Other products can turn mobile devices into GPS systems for the
body. When software connects a smartphone to an arthroscope, you
get a measurement instrument that displays live values for accurate
alignment of joint replacement implants during orthopedic surgery.
These devices can range greatly in price, depending on the sophistica-
tion of the equipment and whether you just buy the adapter or include
the scope and other accessories. Many of these devices are in early
stages, says Dr. Misra, but the smartphone's camera is expanding the
field. Checking with your vendors to see what's available is a good place
to start.
"Anything that has a fiber optic camera at the end is certainly
becoming more available to work with a smartphone or a tablet," he
says.
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Reference
Want a quick way to look up drug interactions or pre-op guide-
lines? Smartphones may be your best bet.
Pamela Ertel, RN, BSN, RNFA, CNOR, FABC, CASC, administrative
director of The Reading Hospital SurgiCenter at Spring Ridge in
Wyomissing, Pa., says that she knew her anesthesia providers needed
apps to help them do their jobs, but she wanted to make sure that
D I G I T A L O R
