The Operating Theatre Journal - Flipbook - Page 31
Swedish Hospital Upgrades to Ergonomic Lighting
in 36 Operating Theatres
In the hospital’s 36 operating theatres, the traditional 昀氀uorescent lighting is being replaced with an innovative
ergonomic lighting solution, speci昀椀cally designed for modern surgery.
Soon, surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists at one of Stockholm’s
largest and newest hospitals will be able to perform surgeries under
evidence-based ergonomic lighting, tailored to their needs, which
is a necessity in the 昀椀eld. Despite many surgeries transitioning from
open surgery to minimally invasive surgery like keyhole surgery, not all
hospitals have kept up with the development of lighting.
— There is still bright white light in several operating theatres today,
and while this type of lighting is ideal for open surgery, the need is
completely different during minimally invasive surgery, where the work
is done via screens. This is the problem that ergonomic lighting helps
to solve, says Greger Johansson, Senior Sales and Relations Manager at
Chromaviso.
Bright light often becomes a disruptive factor during keyhole surgery,
which is why it is common to dim or turn off the lights during these
types of operations, he explains.
— This approach is simply done to avoid re昀氀ections and disturbances in
the screen image and to prevent eye strain. However, this method is not
suitable for either surgeons or other staff in the operating theatre, all
of whom require light to perform their work effectively.
Toned white light provides ergonomic bene昀椀ts
Therefore, the evidence-based ergonomic lighting, known as Chroma
Zona, consists of various settings that are tailored for before, during
and after surgery, as well as the different lighting needs of the staff.
— During both the patient’s preparation for surgery and their
awakening, there is warm and pleasant lighting in the room, creating
a reassuring atmosphere for the patient while also providing light for
the staff. However, during the actual surgery, the setting changes to a
special combination of red and green light, explains Greger Johansson
and continues:
— At 昀椀rst glance, the ergonomic lighting may seem to consist only
of green and red lights, but in reality, it is a combination of various
colors that together provide the ergonomic and physiological effect.
We often refer to this type of lighting as toned white light rather
than monochromatic colored light. This not only ensures better color
rendering, which is but is essential in an operating theatre.
However, it is not just the composition of the light that is strategically
thought out - the placement of the light in the operating theatre also
has a signi昀椀cant impact on the surgeon’s work.
— When green light is placed behind the screen and red light is placed in
the operating theatre behind the surgeon, the contrasts on the screen
become sharper. While the green light has a relaxing effect on the eyes
and body, the red light minimizes re昀氀ections and glare in the image.
Working together, this lighting ensures a high quality of operations
while also creating a healthier work environment for surgeons and
assisting staff, he explains.
From 1 to 36 operating theatres
The hospital staff has already had the opportunity to work with the
lighting, as it has been implemented in one operating theatre for some
time - and now the concept is set to expand.
— The decision has now been made to expand the solution to include
all 36 operating theatres, declares Greger Johansson, concluding:
— This decision exempli昀椀es the crucial role that proper lighting plays
in creating a conducive work environment and promoting well-being.
Would you like to know more about the project and the
hospital?
Feel free to contact us and get more detailed information https://chromaviso.com/contact-support.
Credit Mette Kuhlmann Frandsen
Find out more 02921 680068 • e-mail admin@lawrand.com
Issue 401
February
2024
31