Have you ever wondered what the most popular surgical light brands are for Operating Rooms in Canada?

Judging by the amount of inquiries we get for operating room lights, you wouldn’t be alone.

In this article, we’ll discuss the brands that are most commonly mentioned, and which are perceived to have the most market share in Canadian hospital operating rooms.

We’ll bring you a non-biased look at all the brands and manufacturers that are deemed the most popular (based on decades of experience, market share, market research and general popularity).

*Please note that we are only including lights in the surgical light or operating room light categories on each of the manufacturers’ websites.

Skytron Surgical Lights

Skytron’s first product was actually a surgical light, which was the first focusable light for operating rooms.

Here is a rundown of Skytron surgical lights:

AURORA FOUR

The Aurora Four is the latest and greatest of the Aurora line. These lights feature a “one-twist” of the handle to move the focal point up or down. Other features include shadow-reducing vertically segmented reflectors, selectable color temperature, and 360° rotation on all axes.

There are many configurations/models, but here are the most common six:

1. AUA5: Single Light Fixture; 24″ Diameter
2. AUA55: Dual Light Fixture; 24″ Diameters
3. AUA555: Triple Light Fixture; 24″ Diameters
4. AUA7: Single Light Fixture; 30″ Diameter
5. AUA75: Dual Light Fixture; 30″, 24″ Diameters
6. AUA575: Triple Light Fixture; 24″, 30″, 24″ Diameters

A floor stand model is also available for single light fixture.

STELLAR XL

The Stellar XL LED line features advanced shadow control via its Vertically Segmented Reflector Design (VSRD), which optimizes contouring and depth perception required for accurate visualization of the surgical field. 2,135 rays of light overlap to capture 99% of the light.

These are also available as an upgrade option from the prior Stellar halogen version lights..

Standard configurations/models:

• STX5-895: Single light with 895 mm arm length
• STX5-1090: Single light with 1090 mm arm length
• STX5-1285: Single light with 1285 mm arm length
• STX55-895/700: Double light with 895 mm and 700 mm arm lengths
• STX55-1090/895: Double light with 1090 mm and 895 mm arm lengths
• STX55-1285/1090: Double light with 1285 mm and 1090 mm arm lengths
• STX555: Triple light with 1285 mm, 1090 mm, and 895 mm arm lengths

AURORA ASTRO

The latest in the Skytron line of operating room lights, the Aurora Astro is considered to be an alternative to major surgical lights, while still providing excellent light. 1,281 rays of light overlap to create a crisp, homogeneous spot with ideal shadow control (captures 99% of the light).

Available in single, dual, and boom configurations.

Steris Surgical Lights

Steris offers surgical operating room lighting as well as exam lights. The line of LEDs produce 34% less heat over halogen lights. Here is a rundown of Steris surgical lights:

HarmonyAIR™ M-Series Surgical Lighting System

The modular design means that you can easily upgrade as you need in the future. The M-5 model consumes 1/3 the heat of their previous LED technology. Specific again to the M-5 model, 84 overlapping beams help minimize shadows.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Single Surgical Light Head System
2. Dual Surgical Light Head System
3. Triple Surgical Light Head System
4. Single Surgical Light Head System with Single Surgical Monitor
5. Dual Surgical Light Head System with Single Surgical Monitor
6. Dual Surgical Light Head System with Dual Surgical Monitors

HarmonyAIR™ G-Series Surgical Lighting System

One of the differentiating features of the G-Series is that it uses a phosphor coated, single-colour LED chip as opposed to multi-colour LEDs.

Most common configurations/models:

1. vLED single light systems
2. vLED single light, single flat panel monitor
3. vLED dual light, with single cardanic option
4. vLED triple light system
5. vLED dual light, two single flat panel monitors
6. vLED dual light, single flat panel monitor

Harmony® LED Surgical Lighting and Visualization System

When compared to similar halogen lights, the Harmony LED reduce energy consumption by 75%, do not require bulb changes and produce 34% less heat. 84 overlapping beams of light help to minimize shadows.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Single Surgical Light Head System
2. Dual Surgical Light Head System
3. Triple Surgical Light Head System
4. Single Surgical Light Head System with Single Surgical Monitor
5. Dual Surgical Light Head System with Single Surgical Monitor
6. Dual Surgical Light Head System with Dual Surgical Monitors
7. Dual Surgical Light Head System with Four Surgical Monitors

Maquet Surgical Lights

Undoubtedly known more for surgical tables than surgical lights, Maquet offers three options, very different from each other.

Here is a rundown of Maquet surgical lights:

LUCEA LED 50-100

Designed for minor surgery, the Flux Stability Program is included in all lightheads. The Flux Stability Program works by increasing the current to the light if the light loses illumination over time.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Mobile
2. Wall
3. Ceiling-mounted
4. There’s also a battery operated model

POWERLED

A differentiating feature of the PowerLED is the “boost” function. If any complications arise or the conditions call for it, the boost uses spare capacity for you to boost the light intensity. This model also uses white LEDs, as opposed to colour, and has an irradiance of less than 500 W/m2, which helps eliminate heat.

The PowerLED light lasts “40 times longer than halogen bulbs” and “reduces energy consumption by 30%”.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Single PowerLED 300 configuration, double fork
2. Single PowerLED 700 configuration, single fork, ideal for low ceiling height
3. Dual PowerLED 500 configuration, single fork, ideal for low ceiling height rooms
4. Dual PowerLED 700 configuration, double fork
5. Dual PowerLED 700/500 configuration with double flat screens, integrated ORCHIDE HD camera
6. PowerLED 300, single flat screen and ORCHIDE HD camera
7. Dual PowerLED 700/300 with single flat screen and ORCHIDE HD camera
8. Wall-mounted PowerLED 300 configuration
9. PowerLED ROLITE & ROLITE CLASSIC (Mobile floor model)

VOLISTA

There are two models under this line: the VOLISTA Access and the VOLISTA StandOP®. One of the great things about the VOLISTA is that it will provide a minimum of 50% illumination in the event that there are power fluctuations. This light also has the “boost” function.

Most common configurations/models:

1. VOLISTA Access 600 (single or double fork)
2. VOLISTA StandOP 600 (single or double fork)

Stryker-Berchtold Surgical Lights

Stryker acquired Berchtold in April of 2014, and with that came the Berchtold product portfolio, which included surgical tables, equipment booms, and surgical lights.

Here is a rundown of Stryker-Berchtold surgical lights:

Stryker Berchtold LED F Generation

The LED F Generation lights feature Precision Beam Technology™, which focuses 650 overlapping beams of light into one homogenous column, which help create ideal field depth and minimize shadows (traditional LEDs typically provide only 80 to 100 individual beams). Its design takes into account the ease to upgrade in the future.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Single ceiling mount
2. Double ceiling mount
3. Triple ceiling mount

Stryker Visum LED II

A few features that stand out with this light are the large 41” column of light and Stryker’s proprietary reflector technology. Made of aluminum and glass, these lights use 38% less energy than traditional halogen lighting.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Dual Cardanic Standard Suspension
2. Single Cardanic Low Ceiling Suspension

Stryker Visum Blade LED

Similar to the AIM 200 from Burton as a predicate device, the Visum Blade LED contains 66 LEDs and has a rated lifespan of 35,000 hours.

Most common configurations were not available at the time of publishing this article.

Hill-Rom® Trumpf Surgical Lights

In August 2014 Hill-Rom® acquired Trumpf Medical. Trumpf Medical prides itself being the first to supply LED lighting to an operating room back in 2005. Now, Trumpf is under the Hill-Rom® umbrella of products.

Here is a rundown of Trumpf surgical lights:

iLED™ 7 Surgical Light

A noticeably standout feature with this light is the hole in the middle. While the majority of other surgical lights have solid backings, this one has an opening to encourage improved airflow. Another formidable feature is the 3D sensor technology that continuously analyzes the surgical area to automatically adapt the lighting conditions and eliminate the need for manual adjustment.

Most common configurations were not available at the time of publishing this article.

iLED™ 5 and iLED™ 3 Surgical Lights

The manual shadow management function allows for backlighting of obstacles, which results in up to 25% more light in the depths. If the light is moved, the light measures the distance from the surgical site and automatically adjusts the light to keep the same focus.

Most common configurations/models:

1. iLED 5
2. iLED 5K
3. iLED 3
4. iLED 3K

TruLight™ 5000 Surgical Light

The integrated Adaptive Light Control Plus (ALC Plus) automatically adjusts the illumination of the light if it is moved. With the LEDs being completely cased in with specific convergence lenses, 160,000 Lux of is produced with only 65 Watts.

Most common configurations/models:

1. TruLight™ 5500
2. TruLight™ 5510
3. TruLight™ 5520
4. TruLight™ 5300
5. TruLight™ 5310
6. TruLight™ 5320

TruLight™ 3000 Surgical Light

This light can manually adapt itself to three main working distances: near, normal, and far. While still providing LED quality light, the TruLight™ 3000 is the most economical of the TruLight line.

Most common configurations/models:

1. TruLight™ 3500
2. TruLight™ 3510
3. TruLight™ 3300

Amico Surgical Lights

Founded in 1974, Amico has manufacturing facilities in the US and Canada. The Mira line of surgical lights have the same configurations: ceiling, wall mounted and mobile. Those, in turn, can be either single or dual, and they can be extended or standard.

Here is a rundown of Amico surgical lights:

Mira50 LED

The Mira50 LED is primarily used for minor surgery and diagnostics. The slim design makes it ideal for smaller spaces.

Mira65 LED

The Mira65 LED is a virtual copy of the Mira50 LED, and the only difference is that the Mira65 can reach 65,000 Lux, whereas the Mira50 LED can reach up to 50,000 Lux.

Mira90 LED

Mira90 LED can reach up to 90,000 Lux.

iCE LED Surgical Lights

These lights include white LEDs as opposed to coloured, which gives off a more natural light. The lights provide a minimum of 50,000 hours and were designed to be easily upgraded in the future.

Most common configurations/models:

1. iCE30 LED
2. iCE25 LED

Dr. Mach Surgical Lights

Founded in 1948, this Germany-based company focuses purely on lighting products. The business name refers to Dr. Ludwig Mach, an uncle of Walter Mach an engineer who is one of the founding partners. They take pride in manufacturing 85% of their product in-house.

Here is a rundown of Dr. Mach surgical lights:

LED 5 MC, LED 5 MC Smart, LED 5 SC

MC and Smart models feature Multi-Colour-chips that allow the surgeon to change the color temperature. The SC model has Single-Colour-chips, which do not allow you to change the colour temperature. Each model consists of a different number of LED bulbs, which consequently changes the CRI and power consumption.

This model is only available for ceiling mount.

LED 3 MC, LED 3 MC Smart, LED 3 SC

Considered second tier next to the LED 5 product line, the LED 3 product line has less number of LED bulbs. This model is available for ceiling, wall and mobile.

LED 2 MC, LED 2 MC Smart, LED 2 SC, LED 2 SC Hybrid OP-Modus

Next, going down the line, is the LED 2 model. This model is available for ceiling, wall and mobile.

LED 300 DF, LED 300 DF mit Reflektor

The LED 300 line is where the lights start to differentiate in terms of shape and design. Apart from that, the main difference is the duo focus feature, which is when the single light fields join to overlap one field with increased light intensity. This model is available for ceiling, wall and mobile.

LED 115sb

A purely mobile light, the LED 115sb is fixed focus.

LED 150 FP, LED 150 F, LED 150

Considered to be the perhaps the smallest light of the entire lighting product lines, the LED 150 F and FP have focusable beams where the 150 is a fixed focus light.

Dräger Surgical Lights

Founded in Germany in 1889, Dräger is in its fifth generation as a family run business.

Here is a rundown of Dräger surgical lights:

Dräger Polaris® 600

This light has an optional wireless video transfer HS camera, as well as colour temperature adjustments.

Polaris 100/200

The main difference between the Polaris 100 and 200 is that the latter comes with an extra 18 LEDs. Both are interchangeable without having to modify external dimensions.

Nuvo Surgical Lights

A division of Medical Illumination, Nuvo formed in 1997 with the special purpose of creating ceiling-mounted equipment for operating rooms. Two years later, they went to market with their first surgical light. Since then, they have installed over 2,000 lights in over 1,000 operating rooms in the US.

Here is a rundown of Nuvo surgical lights:

Nuvo Vu LED Surgical Light

Billed as being “brighter, whiter, cooler and more capable” than any previous technology, one interesting feature with this light is the Cross Focus Technology (commonly known as light overlap) and how it enables the LEDs to move independently of each other while adjusting the pattern size.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Ceiling Mount
2. Wall Mount
3. Freestanding Mobile Unit
4. Track Mounted on the ChuttleTrak™

VistOR MS LED

This flagship light for Nuvo is billed as being “the most pure, uniform white light possible”. Additionally, Nuvo’s compact and lightweight design helps it fit into smaller spaces.

Most common configurations/models:

1. Single ceiling mount
2. Dual ceiling mount
3. Triple ceiling mount

Conclusion

While there are many more surgical light manufacturers out there, these are some of the more popular ones. Knowing your options can help you make a more informed decision.

Additional Resources

Meditek is a provider of Skytron surgical lights for Western Canada. Our capabilities also include other surgical light manufacturers, such as Burton, as well as the ability to remanufacture surgical lights to as-new condition.