The Future of Medical Technology - Part 2: Wireless Video & Audio

In this series, Symmetry Electronics will take a closer look at 7 different technologies, from cellular modules, to biometric sensors to Wi-Fi modules and more. This series will delve into the healthcare applications of these IoT products how they’re changing the industry.

This week focuses on wireless video and audio.

Cables and wires on an operating room floor can be a legitimate tripping hazard creating dangerous situations. Cables which emerge from ceilings or walls can also create clutter in an operating room. Making an operating room as safe and secure as possible is in the best interest of both patients and medical staff.

Going wireless in the OR makes it much easier to move throughout the room without having to disconnect and reconnect wired medical equipment. Wireless handheld controllers can easily position operating room tables, and transmit camera imaging to multiple surgical displays. A wireless monitor may be moved freely around the room for different procedures. This freedom accommodates the surgeon and their team, who often must move positions or switch from one side of the patient to the other. So the physician can have the monitor exactly where they need it.

Flat screen monitors are also unobtrusive and can be brought down to a much lower level than the traditional stack monitor. This allows the surgeon to operate in a more ergonomic position, reducing cramped muscles and physical fatigue.

Additionally, data can be transmitted wirelessly over the hospital’s wireless network. Other medical devices such as IV infusion pumps and x-ray devices can be connected wirelessly to the network to contribute to a virtually cord-free environment in the operating room.

There are concerns for this wireless technology, before widespread adoption is possible. First, patient data must be protected. Adequate security and encryption should be used in wireless data transmission to ensure that the data transfer is secure. Second, the wireless technology utilized should have a seamless mechanism to provide reliable connection even in the presence of RF noise. Finally, until the cost is lowered on this technology, only hospitals in large metropolitan areas, with vast resources, can consider implementing these wireless devices.

The good news is, wireless operating rooms are not in the distant future. As security improves and the cost of technology drops, more hospitals will use IoT devices to increase safety in the operating room for patients and medical staff.

Symmetry carries the Lattice MOD6320-T 60GHz WirelessHD® transmitter module which can be used to transmit HD video and audio wirelessly to a compatible Wireless HD receiver with minimal latency and no interference from wifi frequencies. This component is a great solution for any medical devices that require high speed wireless audio and video transmission.

Next week the series will cover Biometric Sensors.

See Part 1 >  Cellular Modules

If you’re working on a medical application that needs constant connectivity let Symmetry know. A Symmetry representative will be glad to further assist in providing the right resources for your project. Call Symmetry at 866-506-8829 or email and we'll be glad to get you going in the right direction.