One simple rule of surgery is that if you can't see what you're doing, you can't do it well. The more complicated reality is that surgical lights must illuminate the surgical site without getting in the surgeon's way, drifting or emitting too much heat. That's a lot to consider, but if you invest in the right lighting system your surgeons can perform cases quickly and accurately. If you don't, poor lighting may factor in surgeon fatigue and avoidable complications.

Another point to consider is the quality of the light. You want the light to be clear and focused on the surgical site without being so harsh as to wash away colors. Look for systems that can reduce or eliminate shadows so surgeons don't have to reposition themselves and their instruments to get a good view.

Finally, consider your surgeons' comfort. They may be under these lights for hours during prolonged operations and they're going to want a product that allows for a nice, cool, well-lit environment that is perfect for surgery. Similarly, you want a system that's easy to use and one that can be adjusted by the surgeon as needed. Here's a look at new lights that hang from ceilings (LED is gaining steam), affix to foreheads and stick on instruments.

- Daniel Herron, MD

Designs for Vision
LED DayLite
(800) 727-6407
www.designsforvision.com
List price: Not disclosed

Headlights are often heavy, bulky and usually tethered to a power source. Hikers and mountain climbers have been using less cumbersome devices for years, and with the LED DayLite surgeons finally have the same mobility and freedom from neck strain caused by heavier lights. The rechargeable lithium ion batteries maintain illumination for more than five continuous hours, and each light comes with two battery packs so one can be clipped to a belt while the other recharges. There are no fiber optic cables to tether the user to a light source, and since the light weighs less than an ounce it can be clipped on loupes or worn on a headband.

Getinge
Maquet PowerLED Major Surgical Lighting System
(800) 475-9040
www.getinge.com
List price: Not disclosed

By using many LED elements, the PowerLED Major Surgical Lighting System can provide a more reliable light source than traditional halogen bulbs without radiating excess heat, says the company. This light is spread across a broad area to effectively eliminate shadows. A secondary set of ambient lights can be set at five different levels of illumination. The system has no moving parts and requires no focusing or manual positioning because the appearances of body cavities will always be the same, no matter how the light head is set over the surgical area, adds the company.

Skytron
Aurora LED Surgical Lighting
(800) SKYTRON
www.skyton.us
List Price: Not disclosed

The Aurora LED system is designed to provide quality illumination without the heat produced by incandescent lamps. It gives surgeons the ability to adjust color temperature, letting them optimize the visible color contrast in the surgical field. This can effectively minimize eyestrain and fatigue. This system will also soon be available with a portable, transferable handle camera.'

Sunnex
Sunnex Celestial Star
(800) 445-7869
www.sunnexmedical.com
List price: Not disclosed

The Sunnex Celestial Star surgical light offers the benefits of traditional overhead lighting with the advantage of a mobile floor mount, giving staff the flexibility to place the system at a set spot or move the light source as needed. To move the light, staff simply position the lamp using the system's removable, sterilizable handle. Once positioned, a drift-free counterbalance system keeps the light in place. The Celestial Star is available in 115v or 230v settings.

More Options for Your Lighting Needs

Gyrus ACMI
XLS-300
(800) 852-9361
www.gyrusacmi.com
List price: $7,750

The XLS-300 elliptical xenon lamp offers high-powered illumination to give surgeons a clear view of the procedure.

Lumitex
Medical Devices
LightMat Surgical Illuminator
(800) 969-5483
www.lightmat.com
List price: $59

Emits a cool, bright, shadowless light when affixed to surgical tools.

Trumpf Medical Systems
Trumpf iLED 3 and Trumpf iLED 5
(888) 474-9359
www.us.trumpf-med.com
List price: Not disclosed

These systems replace the traditional halogen or gas discharge bulbs with lines of LEDs to provide low-heat, contrast-rich illumination that significantly reduce shadows.