HD in the Surgical Suite

Going high definition is all the rage in the consumer world, in terms of televisions and computers. But is that visual advancement really necessary in the surgical suite – especially if you’re paying at least a 30 percent premium for the privilege? Certainly, going digital is all the rage because of the data transmission and visual improvements it offers but the term “digital” can be a misnomer. If you’re not wired both to receive and send digital signals, but can only do one or the other, you’re not digital. As a result, you’re not realizing fully the benefits that digital technology has to offer. By the same token, you have to be wired properly to receive and send high-def signals. But if you already have three-dimensional imaging capabilities (or even if you don’t) what does high-def really do for a surgical team in the OR, in terms of providing better patient care?