The National Institutes of Health Installs Sunnex Celestial Star Surgical Lights in New Intraoperative MRI Suite
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has installed Sunnex’s innovative Celestial Star(TM) MRI Surgical Lights in its state-of-the-art intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
Natick, MA (PRWEB) May 24, 2006
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has installed Sunnex’s innovative Celestial Star(TM) MRI Surgical Lights in its state-of-the-art intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at its headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.
The suite, one of a handful in the U. S., provides real-time MRI in the surgical suite, displaying current and pre-operative imaging data using state-of-the-art 3D and virtual reality technology. The suite is a collaborative effort between the NIH Clinical Center, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Less than a year old, the suite is the site of spinal cord surgeries, craniotomies, craniectomies, and other leading-edge research and neurosurgical procedures.
One challenge in developing a state-of-the-art intraoperative MRI suite is the selection and installation of leading-edge technology to equip it, according to Mike Borostovik, NIH Clinical Center Neuro Nurse Specialist. One, and not the least, is the suite’s use of a high-field 1.5 tesla MRI magnet which requires the installation and use of specialized MRI-compatible instruments – including the surgical lighting.
After extensive review and testing, three sets of pioneering dual ceiling-mounted Sunnex Celestial Star MRI Surgical Lights were installed. The innovative lighting systems were designed specifically for use in MRI facilities and manufactured of MRI-compatible materials by Sunnex, Inc. of Natick, Mass., a medical lighting manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience.
The Sunnex lights provide critical lighting for all of the neurosurgical and specialty procedures performed in the NIH suite, said Borostovik.
Key features of the lights include their excellent flexibility, reach, range, and motion. The light’s 114-inch vertical and horizontal reach provides head-to-toe coverage. Universal movement and placement is enhanced by a patented drift-free balance arm design, he noted.
“The lights are so easy to position. The surgeons are able to move the lights around perfectly. They are so lightweight, they can move them with one hand – to position the light right where they need it,” Borostovik said.
The high intensity lighting, which illuminates up to 6,000 foot candles with a unique space-saving design, is also impressive. “I am amazed at how bright the output is – even as overheads and given how compact they are,” Borostovik said.
The dual-ceiling mount configuration of the Sunnex Celestial lights provide several benefits, including avoiding the use of sets of intrusive mobile lights, “which tend to get in the way in the work area” – as well as allowing surgeons to eschew the use of headlamps.
In use, Borostovik said surgeons praise the Sunnex equipment for remaining cool to work under – unlike the case with traditional surgical lamps – and for the closeness in color of its light to true sunlight. Additionally, the lamps are brighter, more flexible, and more comfortable for the surgeons – especially after lengthy hours of surgery – and provide better illumination for the entire assisting staff.
Combined with Sunnex’s “outstanding personal service,” Sunnex’s MRI-compatible Celestial lights would benefit “any intraoperative MRI – or any – surgical suite,” he said.
For more information about Sunnex’s innovative Celestial Star MRI Surgical Lights – or any Sunnex medical lighting solution - contact Sunnex by phone at: 1-800-445-7869 or on the Web at www. sunnexmedical. com.
About Sunnex
Sunnex is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative, quality surgical and examination lighting, with 30 years of medical industry experience. Sunnex lights offer extensive reach, low maintenance, and unparalleled flexibility and are installed in top hospitals and clinics around the world. Headquartered in Natick, Mass., Sunnex is an ISO 9001 registered company with sales and service representatives located worldwide. Contact Sunnex by telephone at: 1-800-445-7869 or on the Web at www. sunnexmedical. com.
Note to Editors: High resolution photos are available upon request
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