Surgical Lights for Use with MRI

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently installed the innovative Celestial Star MRI surgical lights in its state-of-the-art intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at its headquarters in Bethesda (MD, USA).

The suite, one of only a few in the United States, provides real-time MRI in the surgical suite, displaying current and pre-operative imaging information using advanced three-dimensional (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 one year old, the suite is the site of spinal cord surgeries, craniotomies, craniectomies, and other cutting-edge research and neurosurgical procedures.

One challenge in developing an 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. Another challenge, 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 dual ceiling-mounted 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. (Natick, MA, USA), a medical lighting manufacturer.

The Sunnex lights provide critical lighting for all of the neurosurgical and specialty procedures performed in the NIH suite, according to Mr. Borostovik. Major 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.

"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,” Mr. Borostovik said.



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