Visualization concepts for the operating room of the future: Customized integration solutions for modular wall consoles deliver razor-sharp images up to a resolution of 4K

The console solutions from ACL are a flexible modular system. Essentially, they consist of a back part that is either embedded into the wall (In-Wall) or mounted on it (On-Wall). This element is complemented by a front component, to which the display and the optional PC hardware component are attached. (Source: ACL GmbH)

ACL guarantees the quality of its devices through careful sourcing of components and a high level of manufacturing depth. For example, the company cuts and prints its glass, can bond displays and glass using an internal bonding machine, manufactures the housing in-house, and also laminates its touchscreens itself. (Source: ACL GmbH)

ACL guarantees the quality of its devices through careful sourcing of components and a high level of manufacturing depth. For example, the company cuts and prints its glass, can bond display and glass thanks to an internal bonding machine, manufactures the housing in-house, and also laminates its touchscreens itself. (Source: ACL GmbH)

At this year's Medica, the individual integration of the ACL wall consoles with a full-glass wall will be presented, simulating an operating room situation and corresponding workstations. (Source: ACL GmbH)

At this year's Medica, the individual integration of the ACL wall consoles with a full-glass wall will be presented, simulating an operating room situation and corresponding workstations. (Source: ACL GmbH)

"The new devices are used for displaying the electronic patient record, as well as for preoperative photos of the patient or digital X-ray images," reports Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann, Medical Director of the ENT Clinic and Head and Neck Surgery at the University Medical Center Ulm. "The displays are particularly bright and feature very good contrast and high resolution. We are also especially pleased that there are no reflections that could interfere during a procedure. Additionally, the ergonomic keyboard is easy to clean and supports impeccable hygiene in our operating rooms." (Source: University Medical Center Ulm)

"When integrating hardware into everyday clinical practice, quick and flexible responses are necessary," reports Matthias Lubkowitz, CEO of ACL GmbH. "The time window for this is often very tight, especially in operating rooms – whether for new installations, replacement acquisitions, or renovations. Sometimes, a new wall-mounted console must be installed between two procedures within just a few hours, which presents a significant challenge and requires extensive technical knowledge as well as flexibility." (Source: ACL GmbH)

Especially in the clinical environment, the demand for digital image display through modern screens is increasing, on which even the smallest color nuances can be recognized without confusion. Often, such imaging systems are installed in the operating room walls for space and overview reasons. However, this is complex because structural features such as wall openings, heating pipes, or electrical lines must be considered. Therefore, ACL GmbH offers a complete service for integrating wall consoles in modern operating rooms – from consulting through manufacturing and installation to support. The visualization solutions are modular and allow for individual display and documentation of RIS/PACS, HIS, and PDMS applications – also with 4K technology. Thanks to extensive pre- and after-sales service, all components are optimally tailored to the respective operating environment and guarantee continuous availability of the imaging systems. Additionally, optional expansions with further monitors, PC components, and input devices are possible. ACL's customized wall console solutions will be presented at this year's Medica in Düsseldorf.

In many clinics, the digital processing of data and images is becoming increasingly important, and hospitals equipped with modern technology must keep this up to date. "When integrating hardware into daily clinical practice, quick and flexible reactions are necessary," reports Matthias Lubkowitz, CEO of ACL GmbH. "The time window for this is often very tight – whether during new installations, replacements, or renovations. Sometimes, a new wall console must be installed between two procedures within a few hours, which is a major challenge and requires extensive technical knowledge and flexibility." ACL GmbH offers a full-service package for such integrations, including the installation of wall consoles. Thanks to close communication with users, the modular consoles are always optimized for the requirements of each workstation. High-resolution displays with 4K technology can also be manufactured, enabling interference-free and razor-sharp image displays.

Customizable solutions for the operating room

ACL's console solutions are based on a flexible modular system. Essentially, they consist of a back part that is either built into the wall (In-Wall) or mounted on it (On-Wall). This element is complemented by a front component, where the display (from 21" to 55" – other sizes available if needed) and the optional PC hardware are attached. Peripheral devices such as additional speakers, ID card readers, DVD drives, fingerprint sensors, RFID readers, or barcode scanners can also be integrated there. "Depending on the requirement, the display is housed in a metal casing or embedded directly into a glass wall as a full-glass device," adds Lubkowitz. "The metal variant is suitable for flexible use in any structural situation and is characterized by its durability. The full-glass version, on the other hand, stands out due to its special design and is ideal for integration into operating room glass walls." Hybrid configurations with a metal frame around a glass monitor are also possible if needed. Each of these versions guarantees hygienic operation of the certified displays according to medical standards.

ACL places particular emphasis on the technical specifications of its custom-made display and PC solutions: for example, viewing angles, brightness, or contrast. Additionally, the DICOM preset is checked for color values upon delivery and configured accordingly to ensure all grayscale shades are correctly displayed and not distorted. "Longevity of the displays is also a priority for us," explains Lubkowitz. "Such imaging systems are usually kept on continuously – often 24/7 – which leads to faster wear. However, in the medical field, the reliability of all supporting systems for patients is often life-critical." ACL guarantees the quality of its devices through careful sourcing of components and high manufacturing depth. For instance, the company cuts and prints its own glass, can bond display and glass internally with an in-house bonding machine, and also manufactures the casing in-house.

Full-service concept with consultation beforehand and later support

To ensure that the wall consoles meet all requirements on-site optimally, ACL accompanies its customers with comprehensive services up to and beyond installation. This begins with a start date and a site inspection. "In this context, we are happy to advise and support our customers with our expertise from over 20 years," says Lubkowitz. "After discussing the requirements and coordinating our solution proposal with the user, we take full responsibility for the installation. This also includes implementing wall openings if space for the console is insufficient." In after-sales service, ACL offers a wide range of different service packages. Customers can also assemble their ideal support package from various maintenance contracts. These range from a simple annual maintenance appointment to full service with reduced response times. ACL also supports hospitals with training to certify staff for small maintenance and repairs.

At this year's Medica, the individual integration of ACL wall consoles will be demonstrated using a full-glass wall. This simulates an operating room situation with two full-glass consoles on a wall panel width of 1.20 meters. "The small display is a nurse's workstation with a 24" touchscreen panel, and the large console features a 43" (4K) touchscreen monitor for a dedicated image workstation," explains Lubkowitz. "With these examples, we demonstrate to interested visitors how our solutions can be integrated structurally into the respective environment." For initial consultations and specific inquiries about the installation of video management systems in a medical setting, Matthias Lubkowitz, Mike Kränkel, and the ACL team are available in Hall 10 at Stand B41.

Brief interview on the application of ACL wall consoles
with Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann, Medical Director of the ENT Clinic and Head and Neck Surgery at the University Hospital Ulm

Mr. Prof. Dr. Hoffmann, in August 2019, you had new medical wall consoles installed in your operating rooms. What was the reason for this?

"The existing displays in our operating rooms, installed in 2001, had understandably become outdated. Therefore, we looked for a replacement that, especially in size, resolution, and certification as a medical device, met our requirements and the current state of technology."

How was the collaboration with ACL?

"Prior to installation, the ACL team inspected our facilities and advised us on the individual integration into our existing IT infrastructure. The installation of the wall consoles in our operating rooms was excellent, clean, and punctual. I would also like to highlight the very good communication and support. ACL service technicians responded quickly and flexibly on-site. For example, they took care of enlarging a wall niche."

What do you use the ACL wall consoles for?

"The new devices are used to display the electronic patient record, preoperative photos of the patient, or digital X-ray images. The displays are particularly bright and feature excellent contrast and high resolution. We also particularly appreciate that there are no reflections that could disturb during a procedure. Additionally, the ergonomic keyboard is easy to clean and supports impeccable hygiene in our operating rooms."