Surgical Video Monitors
4K is fantastic, but there are also a lot of other factors to consider.
A
slow but steady video revolution is underway in operating rooms
across America. Count me among the converted who believe in the
power of 4K video. For us it was partly a matter of good timing.
About a year ago, we were looking into upgrading to 3D high-definition moni-
tors at our surgery center. That was just about the time 4K was hitting the
market. Our doctors said, let's see what it can do. Shortly thereafter, we
became the first facility in the country to make the leap. Why? Because our
doctors fell in love with it. And now, a year later, they're still in love.
If you haven't seen 4K yet, all I can tell you is it's like looking at an internal
organ with your own eyes. The definition is unbelievable. We put a scope into a
bell pepper to show our board members exactly how much of a difference it
made. And wow! You could see every little seed and vein in that pepper. It's like
watching a 3D movie, but with more detail.
From a practical standpoint, our doctors tell me they're now able to make
diagnoses while doing surgery that they wouldn't have been able to make
before. I think 4K is eventually going to push past HD, just the way HD has
made standard definition essentially obsolete. And more and more manufactur-
ers are getting into the act. Still, admittedly, it isn't cheap. Technology and com-
petition are bound to bring prices more into line eventually, but in the meantime,
if you're in the market to upgrade your OR video monitors, there's a lot to con-
sider — regardless of whether you're ready to make the 4K leap.
• Screen size. Bigger isn't always better. The optimal size depends on the
distance between your surgeons and your monitor. If your setup lets you pull
a monitor down to within close range, you're better off with a smaller model.
On the other hand, if you have to look across the room, you'll be better off
with a bigger screen.
• Color rendering and resolution. This can be a big factor for some docs.
Orthopedic surgeons who are dealing with cartilage that's shades of white and
1 1 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Thinking of Buying …
Pamela Ertel, RN, BSN, CNOR, RNFA, CASC, FABC
