Not only was Trumpf Medical Systems the first to bring LED technology to the market, it was also the first to introduce an HD in-light camera a few years ago.
"For the surgeon, it really enhances the resolution," says Palmer. "It's probably four to five times clearer than the older, standard definition technology."

The rapid proliferation of HD cameras in the O/R brings up some questions about continued compatibility and upgrade capabilities of surgical lights.
"O/R light manufacturers need to make sure that they can offer customers the latest in technology solutions, but validate in advance that their adoption of fast-moving technology trends don't conflict with customer expectations for long-term capital equipment use," says Berchtold's Campbell.

The LED ahead

Surgical suites are getting more wired and advanced, but the new health care law still carries some uncertainty about the health of this market. Walters says that as more people obtain health insurance, hospitals are gearing up to make sure they are ready for the increased patient volume.

"At the same time, there's also a lot of focus on cost containment," he says. "It's unclear to me whether we're going to see expansion or contraction in the health care market because these two dynamics may be at odds with each other."

However, manufacturers are optimistic about the future of the industry.

"If a product or service can be proven to support better patient outcomes or help provide better patient care, it will be a winner. If a health care provider experiences bad outcomes due to inadequate equipment, that outcome's consequences will cost a lot more than the purchase price of optimal equipment," says Walters. "We feel confident that we can come up with products that help surgeons do their jobs better and that's always going to be valued."

OEMs predict that surgical lights will continue to become more efficient, give off less heat and decrease in size, as hybrid imaging and more advanced video integration systems make their way into the O/R.

"We have to be very creative in where we place the lights but also [in] the design of the lights so it doesn't cause too much interference with all the other items that are in the ceiling now," says Palmer.

Skytron's Tomaszewski predicts that within five years, procedure and exam lights applications will be replaced by LED lighting technology across all sectors of health care.

As the superior lighting technology seeps further into O/R suites, LED surgical lights are bound to have a bright future.

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