are the benefits they bring to the OR — even beyond the significantly
enhanced views — worth the expense? Let's see what they bring to
the table.
From 3D and 4K to image-enhancement technologies and 55-inch
surgical displays, the views are better than ever.
• 3D. Perhaps most useful for laparoscopic procedures, 3D surgical
video systems can improve a surgeon's hand-eye coordination and
enhance depth perception. These systems are particularly robust
when used in conjunction with robotic surgical systems.
Although standard HD is standard issue in most of its ORs, the
Emory Clinics in Atlanta, Ga., uses 3D in some service lines to give
surgeons better views of certain anatomical structures. Likewise,
Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., uses 3D surgical video in
conjunction with a surgical robot. The benefits of the investment, says
Lynn Truitt, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CASC, administrative director
of perioperative services: higher resolution and clarity; more precision
and accuracy; improved patient outcomes; and higher patient satisfac-
tion.
• 4K. A 4K ultra high-def picture offers nearly 4 times the picture
quality of high-def 1080p and nearly 10 times that of standard 480p.
Clarity aside, 4K pictures can be magnified significantly without losing
definition, meaning surgeons get an outsized, unparalleled view of the
area in which they're operating.
"They may come out with something completely new next year, but
I'm glad we made the investment in 4K," says Ms. Hamma.
Interestingly enough, word has it that 8K may be on the near horizon
in U.S. ORs (osmag.net/sFEMs5).
• Big-screen bliss. Over-sized surgical displays offer opportunities
for never-before-seen visualization and magnification, and most sur-
geons love the larger-than-life, crystal-clear detail. Even so, the
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