Surgical pendants are essential medical devices that can provide flexibility and support for surgical staff during various medical procedures.
As these specialized pieces of equipment have become an increasingly common fixture in hospital operating rooms, there is a greater need to understand the various types, components, and benefits they offer.
This guide provides an overview of surgical pendants and delves into the details to ensure medical personnel have all the necessary information to make informed decisions when selecting these devices.
What Is a Surgical Pendant?
Surgical pendants are suspended medical devices used in operating rooms to allow easy access to vital equipment and supplies. They are usually suspended from the ceiling but can also be wall-mounted or transported on a gurney or cart.
The pendant is intended to keep all necessary supplies within easy reach of surgeons, nurses, and other medical workers during surgical procedures. This creates an efficient work environment where surgery can be performed safely and accurately.
Operating pendants, medical pendants, ceiling pendant systems, ICU pendants, operating theater pendants, hospital pendants, and so on are all names for surgical pendants.
Components of a Surgical Pendant
The following are the key components of surgical pendants,
Vertical Support Column
This is the major structural component of a surgical pendant, and its primary function is to provide a stable and secure foundation for all other components attached to it.
It is usually adjustable in height, allowing people to customize their working environment. It is often made of a steel or aluminum tube foundation with adjustable telescoping portions.
Arm Assembly
It connects the vertical support column to the device suspended from it. Depending on the type and size of the device, arm assemblies come in various sizes and configurations.
They are typically composed of many telescoping parts joined by hinges and supported by counterweights that aid in keeping them balanced when in operation.
Lighting
Lighting is another component of a surgical pendant, and it typically comes in two forms:
Overhead lighting bars positioned along the top of the vertical support column and task lamps mounted on workstations offer direct illumination on whatever device or instruments are used.
Overhead lights provide general illumination for a whole room, whereas task lights give more targeted illumination for specific tasks such as suturing or laparoscopy.
Shelves
Many surgical pendants have additional shelves or drug caddies that may be attached along one side of the arm assembly to allow supplies to be easily accessed during surgery without interfering with workflow by reaching away from the sterile field region.
Video Camera
Some models have video camera mounts at various positions along an arm assembly, allowing procedures to be recorded on video for subsequent viewing or documentation.
Power Outlets
Power outlets are another vital component that allows users to plug medical equipment directly into wall sockets instead of requiring extension cords or large battery packs for power sources during lengthy procedures where time may become a concern in safety and successfully finishing surgeries.
Gas Terminals
During an operation, most surgical pendants incorporate one or more gas terminals that allow medical personnel to access and control the flow of oxygen, nitrous oxide, vacuum, and other gasses.
The IV Pole
Most surgical pendants also include an IV pole, which provides a safe and handy location for setting up intravenous solutions or medicine infusions.
Electrical and Data Socket Access
Many surgical pendants also have electrical and data connectors that allow medical personnel to connect and monitor vital signs or other factors during an operation.
Benefits of Using Surgical Pendants
The benefits of using surgical pendants include the following;
- Using a surgical pendant makes the procedure safer and more efficient.
- Its motorized arm keeps medical equipment like monitors and lights within easy reach of the surgeon during a procedure.
- Access to equipment reduces unnecessary movements and distractions, which can lead to mistakes.
- The adjustable height also improves patient comfort and safety by maintaining the proper distance between the patient and the equipment. Furthermore, movement flexibility improves team collaboration during a procedure.
- It saves space by removing needless clutter that can obstruct free mobility.
- Surgical pendants can also help reduce medical staff fatigue by eliminating the need for them to walk around the operating room seeking equipment and supplies.
Types of Surgical Pendants
Some types of surgical pendants include;
Double-arm Electric Surgical Pendants
This is the most popular type of surgical pendant used in hospitals. It has dual-surface access, making it an ideal workplace for many medical staff and allowing for simple transitions from one duty to the next.
Single-arm Electric Hospital Pendants
These pendants enable medical staff to execute their duties from a single point of entry. They are frequently utilized in smaller surgery suites or laboratories with limited space.
Ceiling-mounted Gas or Suction Units
This type of pendant can be wall mounted or installed from the ceiling and offers quick access to oxygen, nitrous oxide, and suction machines. It is important to note that the height of these pendants must be adjusted carefully for easy access and patient safety.
Surgical Rotary Pendants
This type of pendant is designed to rotate 340 degrees, allowing it to be positioned in any direction or angle for maximum maneuverability and convenience. It can also be used to suspend multiple pieces of equipment for efficient use of space. It is less common than double and single-arm electric surgical pendants.
Single-arm Electric Anesthesia Pedants
It is often wall-mounted in the anesthetic environment. It has a light, gas terminals, power outlets, a video camera mount, and other features that make it easy to retrieve instruments during anesthesia treatments.
It is a safe workstation for giving medication and monitoring gauges without taking up too much space in the operating room. These surgical pendants can boost your medical team’s effectiveness by giving them the required assistance.
The Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Surgical Pendant
When purchasing a surgical pendant, it’s essential to consider factors such as:
The Size and Weight of the Pendant
Consider the pendant’s size and weight to ensure it can support the equipment you wish to put on it. Some models are intended for more miniature, lighter goods, whereas others are intended for larger, heavier ones.
Its Installation Requirements
Determine the amount of space required for installation and any specific needs that may be required. Some versions have more intricate ceiling or wall mounts, which may necessitate the assistance of a professional to install them properly.
Flexibility and Space Requirements
Check if the pendant’s height, angle, or both can be adjusted to suit your needs. A surgical pendant with 340 degrees of rotation is recommended for optimal flexibility.
In addition, consider the number of shelves you may require and the amount of space available to keep vital supplies and equipment during an operation.
The Quality and Durability of the Pendant
It is critical to ensure that the materials used to make your surgical pendants are of excellent quality and long-lasting. Avoid purchasing cheap or fragile models because they will not last long and cannot withstand the rigors of a medical setting.
Maintenance
Ensure that the pendant is easy to clean and disinfect after completing procedures. This will assist in keeping your facility and patients safe while using the equipment.
Safety Features and Ergonomic
You should make sure that the pendant you purchase has safety measures like counterweighted arms and non-slip surfaces to prevent slipping or accidental tilting. An ergonomic design is also required to assure worker comfort throughout the operation.
Budget
Depending on the design, size, and features, surgical pendants can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Determine what will work best for you within your budget so that you may locate a cost-effective solution.
Bottom Line
A surgeon’s success or failure can hinge on the quality of their surgical equipment. Therefore, every hospital or clinic should have surgical pendants available for use. They offer a reliable supply of power and the freedom to swiftly, safely and effectively access vital medical tools.
When choosing the ideal surgical pendant for your facility, it’s necessary to consider all variables because of their variety of components, advantages, and types. Finally, the correct surgical pendant can completely revolutionize a doctor’s practice.
