A simulation model that predicts handling forces required to reposition surgical lights

Area of Science:

• Surgical Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Surgical lighting systems often exhibit high handling forces, hindering optimal usability.
• Understanding system behavior is crucial for enhancing mechanical design and improving surgical workflow.
• Existing limitations necessitate the development of predictive models for surgical lighting system forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a validated force model for predicting handling forces in surgical lighting systems.
• To quantify forces across different regions of the surgical lighting system's working area.
• To provide insights for improving the mechanical design and usability of surgical lighting.

Main Methods:

• A validated force model was developed using measured geometry and joint friction torques from a physical lighting system.
• Force computations were performed for three distinct regions within the system's working area.
• Key force metrics including mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum forces were calculated.

Main Results:

• Mean handling forces were recorded as 129 (106) N in the central region.
• Off-center regions exhibited lower mean forces of 61 (14) N and 60 (17) N.
• Significant force variations were observed within the central working region.

Conclusions:

• The model accurately predicts high handling forces in the central region, correlating with observed surgical light repositioning.
• Simulation results offer valuable data for comparing different surgical lighting systems.
• The predictive model serves as a tool for evaluating the impact of design modifications on system performance.