Importance of LED Surgery Light

The shift of OR illumination from traditional incandescent to LED technology has received a lot of attention. Some of the benefits of LED are already on your tongue: reduced heat, longer life, and more energy efficiency. These benefits, however, are only the beginning.

If the goal of new technology is to improve patient outcomes only one of these often-touted benefits, less heat, directly applies. LEDs emit far less heat than incandescent lamps, making the surgeon and staff more comfortable (especially during lengthy procedures). Cooler light also implies less heat in the surgical field, which reduces the danger of exposed tissue drying up. Aside from lowering the heat, LED lighting has a number of additional therapeutic advantages.

LED light heads are not only whiter and more consistent, but they also provide superior shadow control than halogen lights. A single halogen bulb and a multifunctional reflector are typical components of a halogen system. Unfortunately, each facet has a unique shape and is spaced differently from the bulb. These variations might cause undesired "hot" and "cold" spots in the light pattern.

Because LED light is so consistent, surgeons aren't distracted by shadows moving over the pattern. In fact, several surgeons have said that they no longer need to wear their headlamps when utilizing the LED lights.

LED surgical lights are significantly more expensive than traditional halogen lights. You may justify the higher purchase price by looking at the entire cost of ownership, which includes energy and replacement bulb savings. The therapeutic benefits of LED technology, which should result in better patient outcomes, are the most persuasive justifications.

There is no contest between a good LED surgical light and a decent halogen surgical light in a side-by-side comparison. Even the most inexperienced observer will always prefer the LED light.