15-10

I E S LIGHTING HANDBOOK
Surgical Instruments
In 1926 an investigation was made of the lighting requirements of this
field.* Over 100 different types of lamps were found in use.
Many of the lamps used in this field differ from one another only slightly
in base threads per inch, electrical rating, filament form, etc. If a serious
attempt were made to stand-
ardize these lamps, the num-
ber of types manufactured
could be reduced. Such
standardization usually is
accompanied by improved
quality and lower costs.
The various lighted in-
struments were classified* in
five groups as follows:
(See
Fig. 15-9.)
FIG. 15-9. Typical lighted diagnostic instru-
ments for: a. Transilluminator lamps; b. The
throat, lungs, and rectum; c. The nose and ears.
1. Throat, lungs, and rectum. These devices do not require an extremely
white light. The walls of the organs into which the instruments are passed
close over the end of the instrument, thus placing the diseased tissue within
close range of the lamp. The usual procedure is to operate the lamps
with their filaments "just off the yellow."
2. Genitourinary organs. Because of the extremely small passages
through which these instruments must pass, direct vision of the infected
area is impossible, and an optical viewing system of very small lenses is
used. The cavities at the far end of these passages, the bladder, for in-
stance, must be inflated with a liquid which frequently is rendered foggy
by body secretions. In order to see the opposite bladder wall through
the lens system and foggy liquid, a high-candlepower white light is re-
quired.
3. Eyes (ocular). In these instruments both yellow and white light
may be utilized to advantage. For instance, in ophthalmoscopy, particu-
larly when it is necessary to view the choroid tissue through the retina
by means of a "red free" screen, a high-candlepower white light is necessary.
However, in retinoscopy, light of a yellowish color can be used.
4. Nose and ears. Instruments for nose and ear examination utilize
diffuse white light.
5. Transillumination. For transillumination, high candlepower and
white color is recommended.
In preparing for surgery the operating-room nurse, after laying out the
instruments, adjusts the lamp visually to approximate the brightness
desired by the surgeon, so that it will be ready for immediate use.

Porter, L. C, "Standardization of Surgioal and Dental Lamps," Edison News Letter, July, 1926. Porter,
L. C, and Roy, A. C, "Ten Lamps or 118," American Surgical Trade Association Journal, January, 1926.