Cold Light Sources - Basics
| Abbreviation / other names |
Light source |
| What does it do? |
High intensity light used in conjunction with endoscopes,
rigid scopes, headlamps and operating microscopes etc. |
| Physiology |
Cold light sources are normally used to illuminate a specific
work area during surgery or medical examinations. It is important
that the light is as near in colour to natural light so doctors
are able to detect abnormal colourations of the skin and tissue.
It is also important that the light does not heat the tissue.
|
| How it works |
The high intensity light source consists of a power supply,
cooling fan, brightness controls, lamp life indicator and
a spare lamp to enable procedures to be finished if the primary
lamp fails. Filters are also employed to reduce the
transmission of excessive heat to the operating site. This
is why it is called ‘Cold Light’. The two main
types of lamps used are xenon arc and halogen. Some xenon
lamps have a useable life of only 500 hours. The light is channelled to the required area via a flexible fibre optic light guide, made from tightly bundled glass fibres. This concentrates the light and allows the light to be easily directed to where it is required. |
| Picture of equipment |
|
 Olympus CLK3 Cold Light Source |