A wireless surgical control system lets surgeons in the OR control several pieces of equipment without the clutter and confusion caused by multiple wired switches. Applied Surgical LLC, Birmingham, Ala., (appliedsurgicalsolutions.com) built the Gemini Surgical Control & Display System to improve surgical functions. One of these is laparoscopic surgeries in which only the instrument enters the patient and surgeons watch what they do on monitors. These electrosurgical devices generate steam and smoke that cloud a surgeons view. When a surgeon activates a device that produces steam or smoke, the Gemini system automatically starts an evacuator that removes the visual obstruction and not into the OR air.

Improved safety also comes from a single master foot control from Linemaster Inc., Woodstock, Conn., (linemaster.com) and the FirstAlert visual and audible warning system. “Up to four electrosurgical devices may be connected at a time. The video display indicates the currently selected device and corresponding foot control functions,“ says Applied Surgical President Dave Alexander. “When the surgeon presses a foot control switch, visual and audible feedback immediately tells which function is being activated. There is a slight pause following the visual and audible feedback prior to the device being activated so a surgeon can change his mind if he has pressed the wrong foot control. This almost eliminates accidental activation of an electrosurgical device.“ The Gemini also lets surgeons use a variety of preferred equipment in a transportable rack.