In surgical settings, there can be unique challenges for every surgeon. That is why choosing the right surgical headlamp is critical to the success of the procedure and a patient’s well-being.
Surgeons and staff work under stressful conditions. It is critical the tools they use, especially lighting, are appropriate for the procedure and surgical setting. The surgical lighting market offers many options, and yet doctors and surgeons still seek out information that distinguishes these options from each other for their practice. That’s why we’ve compiled a short list of features to consider.
Compared to pendant arm lighting or overhead lighting, LED surgical headlights (or surgical headlamps) help improve visibility in specific ways.
- First, surgical headlights decrease the potential for shadows caused by pendant lighting. LED surgical headlights focus lighting on the surgical wound and provide more uniform light.
- Second, new surgical headlamps allow for the surgeon’s mobility as the fiber optic cable system, once tethered to a wall for power source, have been replaced by wearable (rechargeable) battery packs.
What are the standards you should look for in LED Surgical Headlights?
Comfort – All surgical headlights have varying weights and balance. The lighter the headlight, the less chance there will be for shoulder and neck fatigue. How the headlight feels on the doctor’s head and the balance of the headlamp are important. Having a comfortable fit will also help with fatigue and allow the doctor, whether in the medical, dental, or veterinary practices, to focus on the procedure rather than the headlamp itself.
Quality of Illumination – When choosing a headlamp, consider if the product allows for various intensity settings. A various light intensity feature offers an advantage to the practitioner as this allows for flexibility when performing procedures requiring varying light intensities. In addition, variable spot control with crisp edges is also an advantage as it allows the surgeon to adjust the light to the size of the spot requiring visibility.
Battery Life – It is important the life of battery outperform the length of procedure being performed. Lithium battery technology has emerged as the top performing battery over traditional lead acid batteries. They have a longer life span, allowing more cycles than lead acid batteries, and their recharge cycle is shorter as well.
Choosing the Correct Illumination
The amount of illumination needed can vary for each surgical discipline or practice application.
- General office procedures, ENT, or Dentistry may not require the amount of illumination as deep site surgery, spinal surgery, or other deep tissue procedures.
- Brighter may not be better as it can distort the view depending on procedure.
Consistent, crisp and uniform lighting is critical to each discipline. Choose and trial the right surgical headlight for your discipline.
Good and informative article that touches on the key issues of a quality headlight.