Dräger announces US availability of next- generation Polaris OR lights

Dräger's next generation of Polaris OR lights have an advanced LED optical system that helps create a homogeneous surgical field with smooth edges, as well as a high-color-rendering index for faithful tissue reproduction. OR staff can precisely adjust the wide light field diameter and brightness range. In addition, surgical staff can set the color temperature to better distinguish types of tissue in steps using the standard light head control panel, or with stepless level adjustments using the touch display controller option.

The Polaris Pro+, the premium model of the line, also includes active 3D shadow management technology that uses sensors to detect when an object, such as a staff member's head, is blocking light within the illuminated surgical field. The system automatically compensates for the obstruction by controlling individual LEDs – thus helping to ensure uninterrupted light by maintaining brightness and keeping the surgical field virtually shadow-free.

The Polaris Pro and Pro+ models offer the Light Guard feature, which Dräger developed to help reduce the risk of patient injury. When two OR lights are used in combination and illumination is overlapped within the surgical field, it is essential to prevent excessive irradiant temperature levels on the patient's skin – particularly at high brightness levels. When this occurs, there is a potential risk of surface burns and tissue desiccation. Activating Light Guard limits the total light energy irradiance on both the skin and surgical field to a safe value of ≤700 W/m2 when two light heads are used simultaneously.

For protection of surgeons, Polaris Pro and Pro+ models provide the new Anti-Glare and Eye Relax functions to help make work easier by decreasing unwanted contrasts and blue components in the light, which can strain the surgeon's eyes and create fatigue over time. To keep staff engaged with operation status, or to record the procedure, Polaris offers an optional 4K MedView camera to capture and share high-resolution video recordings of the operation.

The new portfolio of Polaris OR lights was designed to be easier to maneuver. At only 40 pounds and 24 inches in diameter, the light heads are compact, relatively lightweight, and require little effort to position – while staying virtually drift free over time.

To help reduce OR preparation time for the next surgery, the Preset Manager feature can store up to 30 pre-configured custom light settings for different users or procedure types. With the push of a single button, all light system levels can be recalled – including brightness, surgical diameter, color temperature, and other feature activation settings. The new Polaris line also offers multiple user control options in addition to the light head control. For example, touch display controllers can be installed on the light head gimble, be wall mounted (surface or flush), or installed elsewhere in the OR space such as mounted on an equipment boom. Touch display controllers are designed to be intuitive and facilitate ergonomic control of the light and 4K camera functions.

To support a fast and effective cleaning process, Dräger Polaris lights have a sleek, contemporary design with smooth surfaces and rounded edges, and are unharmed by recommended cleaning materials. To simplify cleaning, the MedView camera is integrated directly into the light head under the transparent cover. All Dräger devices in the OR workplace are designed to use the same disinfectant – helping to further streamline the disinfection process for cleaning personnel.