2 0 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E A U G U S T 2 0 1 6
ing to improve your sur-
geons' views of the
action.
In love with 4K
The biggest advancement
in recent years? Hands
down, the introduction of
4K ultra high-definition
video. When we set out to
purchase a new system,
we knew we wanted to
take a look at 4K. It was
love at first sight for my
surgeons. 4K has 4 times
the resolution and more
intense color than standard 1080p HD systems, making visualization of the joint
much easier. That enhanced resolution is especially important during
arthroscopy, when surgeons work off a tight circular field of view on the moni-
tor. 4K really makes images "pop" on the screen, so surgeons can easily see in
the nooks and crannies of the joint and more easily deal with the fluid, air bub-
bles and blood that can impede good views.
However, it's important to note that few manufacturers offer true 4K systems
in which both the camera and monitor capture and depict 4K images. While
these true 4K systems may work well in abdominal surgery applications, we
learned during our trial that a 4K camera has to be about 10 mm in order to cap-
ture enough light to take full advantage of 4K technology. That scope size is sim-
ply too large for use in a joint.
Because of that limitation, the system we chose has a 1080p camera and a 4K
monitor. Our surgeons say that setup still gives them an improved depth of field,
which provides clearer visualization when moving from the front to the back of
• EVEN FLOW Automated irrigation pumps help maintain distention pressure in the joint
for good visualization and a stable operative field.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
