A common operating system for several medical devices in the operating theater: This is the goal of the Or.net association and has now reached a milestone with the “Service-oriented Device Connectivity” (SDC) standard. The new wireless foot switches from Steute Meditec are prepared for an SDC interface.

The networking of several medical devices in the operating theater via a common operating system has, among other things, a. the advantage that the surgeon can concentrate better on the operation. In addition, the communication between the devices improves the processes in the OR: All relevant information can be displayed and processed.

The wireless footswitches are available in one to four pedal versions and complement the user interface program as the new standard wireless footswitch series. The signal transmission to the medical device takes place via the latest generation of the radio technology developed by Steute, which is characterized by a clearly reduced energy consumption with high (and adjustable) transmission power. Despite the low energy consumption, the response time is very short: The signal transmission of an active footswitch only takes 20 ms. From the energy-saving sleep mode, the switches transmit a valid signal within 50 to 60 ms when actuated.

Energy-efficient radio network for the Industry 4.0 factory

The low-energy radio technology of the user interfaces makes it possible for the first time to use commercially available alkaline batteries instead of lithium-ion batteries. So no more batteries need to be charged.