Sony has announced the launch of the industry’s first medical monitors to combine 4K and 3D imaging technologies.
The new LMD-X550MT (55in) and LMD-X310MT (31in) 4K 3D surgical monitors are designed for use with 4K or 3D endoscopes and surgical microscopes in operating rooms, as well as in medical facilities for training and education.
The monitors display 2D and 3D content in 4K or HD resolution delivering high brightness, enhanced resolution and increased depth of field. With 4K and next generation 3D endoscopes now being launched on to the market, Sony has recognised the demand for flexible display solutions that can match the image quality of these new systems.
With a slender chassis and narrow bezel, the new 4K 3D monitors offer many of the same features and technologies found in Sony’s medical monitor line up. 3D visualisation is clinically proven to improve surgical accuracy, reduce procedure times and deliver realistic depth perception. The combination of 4K and 3D expands the visualisation capabilities for surgical teams, where before 3D imagery was limited to HD resolution.
“With the introduction of these monitors, Sony has combined the best of both 4K and 3D worlds,” said John Herman, European product marketing manager at Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “Namely – improved surgical vision through higher resolution, enhanced identification of tissue surface structure from increased brightness and colour reproduction and improvements in surgical accuracy with increased depth perception from 3D visualisation.”
The new monitor series can display an increased number of 3D signal formats, compared to existing models, in both HD and 4K resolutions. In the case of dual-channel 3D HD video format, used by many 3D endoscopes, these new monitors can combine and reproduce the full HD resolution of both left and right channels, whereas conventional 3D monitors have to discard 50% of the vertical resolution as they are limited to using an HD panel.
The monitors also include Sony’s original OptiContrast panel, an advanced optical technology that reduces glare and reflection, and increases contrast to assure sharp images with deep black reproduction. By enhancing the contrast ratio under direct lighting, OptiContrast technology ensures that colour reproduction is also improved, again helping visualisation accuracy for surgical staff. Unique AIME (Advanced Image Multiple Enhancer) allows operators to adjust the structure and colours of 4K and 3D images from endoscopes and surgical microscopes in real time, for more comfortable viewing.
Designed to enhance any operating room, these monitors incorporate a modern edge-to-edge water resistant glass front design, robust aluminium housing and a removable cable cover at the rear to hide connectors and manage cables neatly. The sleek design of the monitors also means they can be easily wiped down using commonly available cleaning solutions for infection control.
The monitors will also come equipped with compatible and disposable 3D eye-shields that are intended for use by surgeons and nursing staff viewing images on Sony´s medical monitors. The eye-shields comply with the requirements outlined by Annex II of Directive 89/686/EEC on Personal Protective Equipment, and can be used to protect staff against splashes from blood and other liquids, as well as enabling 3D viewing on surgical monitors during laparoscopic surgical procedures.
