The operating room (OR) has long been at the forefront of medical innovation, but digitalisation has elevated this to unprecedented levels. Incorporating new digital technology continues to set a high bar in how surgical procedures are performed, analysed and taught.
Alongside this revolution sits the transformation of global interconnection. When COVID-19 struck, the adoption of online video conferencing offered enormous potential to link surgeons around the globe. The pandemic ushered in this new era of communication and, with it, a synergy between technology and surgery that continues to develop at a pace, enhancing surgical precision, streamlining workflows and opening up global learning for the betterment of patient outcomes worldwide.
But for some, this was not a new phenomenon. Connecting surgeons and expanding access to surgical expertise has been at the forefront of one company’s drive for nearly two decades.
Digital prowess
JAV Medical Systems is a UK-based company that has integrated advanced technologies into ORs for many years. Its innovative Integrated Theatre of Things (ITOT) positioned it as a leader in the medical technology market by providing seamless integrations to ORs. Its success is rooted in an impressive ability to adapt cutting-edge technology to offer other solutions to the surgical world.
Major medical corporations often dominate this market, but JAV Medical Systems established itself early by demonstrating impressive digital prowess.
One example was creating a direct fibre-optic link from the Operating Theatre of the Future at St Olav’s University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, to a local cinema three miles away. This was achieved at a time when internet speeds were so slow they could only transmit a page of A4 text. This transitioned to utilising 5G-based transmission in the UK when hospital infrastructures could not hold, eventually culminating in the broadcasting of online conferences. Initially, these broadcasts were secondary to their primary focus of OR integration. However, as technology evolved and the demand for virtual connectivity increased, JAV Medical Systems expanded its event services beyond the OR to offer support for global surgical events.
Adapting to the new norm created by the pandemic, which has now morphed into a hybrid of face-to-face conferences and online educational events, the team leveraged their extensive experience in video conferencing technology, which they had long been deploying in ORs. So, how vital was it that the company pivoted its existing skills and technology to support both scenarios?
Significant shift
Managing director Ingo Aicher explains: ‘We had deployed video conferencing equipment in ORs since 2008, but no one liked using it back then. It sat there like a dead dinosaur – video conferencing seemed alien. People preferred a telephone, and we only used video conferencing in showcases and special events to showcase what was technically possible. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing a significant shift in how events were conducted, pushing the world towards a hybrid model of in-person and virtual events. Despite initial resistance to video conferencing, it accelerated the adoption of this technology, and people learned to adapt – and the technology continues to evolve.’
JAV Medical Systems was well-prepared for this transition, having accumulated a wide array of specialist equipment to facilitate smooth and secure broadcasting of surgical events over the internet.
Ingo says: ‘We now have many tools that simplify broadcasting surgical events by utilising secure network technologies and the internet. Over the years, we have amassed a large amount of specialist equipment, which we thought might be useful not just to our integrated OR clients but can help surgeons far and wide by offering ease of use and accessible and affordable technical support for surgical events.’
One of the primary challenges in a large hospital setting is ensuring compatibility and efficiency with existing infrastructures. JAV Medical Systems addresses this by collaborating closely with IT departments to guarantee secure and smooth video transmission across networks. The team also deploys 5G beacons when network speeds or accessibility are limited, ensuring high-definition video transmission without relying solely on hospital infrastructure.
Engaged learning
The company is well-equipped to expand its connectivity solutions to various surgical equipment. Ingo explains: ‘For interconnectivity, we have kits for endoscopes, microscopes, hybrid CT – anything medical. You name it, we can connect and broadcast it. We also have specialist head cameras, room cameras, robotic arm cameras, eye-tracking glasses, and AR/VR gear to enhance the viewing experience.’
The company utilises the Barco NexxisLive platform for ease of set-up and to ensure the highest data safety. This unique and secure surgical conferencing platform connects multiple live video sources from an OR to a live audience, facilitating interactive webinars and collaborative learning. The platform allows surgeons to perform live surgeries with real-time commentary and annotation from presenters across the globe, making it an invaluable tool for medical education and collaboration.
Ingo explains: ‘Nexxis Live is a unique secure surgical conferencing platform connecting multiple live video sources from an OR to a live audience in collaboration or webinars. It enables people to interact, chat, highlight, annotate videos, and learn collaboratively. You can have a surgeon performing live surgery supported by a presenter on the other side of the globe commenting, interactively presenting throughout the surgery and live annotating the surgery for the surgeon and students. Four video sources can simultaneously feed live webinars, and the viewers can composite themselves to the most exciting view, such as a room overview, close-up view, head camera or surgical device, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning environment.’
Setting up technology for medical events and conferences presents unique challenges. Given the high-stakes environment of an OR, the key to smooth execution lies in the team’s experience in handling unexpected situations.
‘Surgical events and conferences are slightly different to your normal corporate or live music event,’ Ingo says. ‘An OR can be a frightening environment, and strict adherence to protocol is required. As with any event, things can go wrong, and improvisation can be necessary, and that’s where an experienced team makes the difference. ’
JAV Medical Systems is also committed to sustainability. A significant aspect of this involves deploying online conferencing and collaboration technology.
Success stories
Ingo says: ‘Reducing international and local travel is a key strategy for cutting carbon emissions. In the UK’s NHS NetZero45 policy, minimising staff travel and increasing online consultations are significant components. Additionally, enhancing training delivery will enable patients to receive better healthcare locally. While the journey towards comprehensive healthcare accessibility is long, every course and conference can bring a positive impact.’
The company has achieved numerous success stories through its extensive experience consistently meeting the specific standards of any OR environment.
Ingo adds: ‘The path to a more integrated surgery environment by incorporating advanced technologies into ORs and medical events is not just a visionary goal but a tangible reality. By embracing these innovations, we hope we are helping to transform the landscape of medical practice and set new standards for healthcare excellence.’
This dedication to innovation, adaptability and sustainability seemingly makes the company a crucial partner for hospitals and medical professionals worldwide.
