OR tables from TRUMPF

“Jupiter Universal” with flexible four-part leg sections in very extreme Trendelenburg position as well as tilted to the side.

Flexible but safe

This unique coupling system is the key to the conversion capability of TRUMPF tables and therefore also their cost effectiveness. The motto is: Whatever helps and fits is allowed – but only to the extent that the table’s statics and stability as well as the patient’s safety are guaranteed. TRUMPF has standardised and mechanically coded the coupling points to prevent incorrect or unsafe connections from being made. Many elements of the table are positioned by means of an electric motor to allow for better orientation. A signal sounds as soon as the zero position of the worktop being operated is reached.

Does working with so many modules also mean the table is user-friendly? Is assembly and disassembly a chore? Paul Vink and his team at LUMC have also had good experiences with these aspects. “It is very easy to interchange components and you can always prepare the table precisely with a bit of creativity, so that the surgeon is satisfied and the patient is safely positioned. In doing so, we use the parts ‘very freely’ with each other. Should a small child come in who needs a cast, we simply attach a hand plate and turn the child 90 degrees and then the cast is much easier to apply. For heavy patients, we simply use widening sections.”

The only limitation for the Dutch: “For orthopaedic procedures, you need a shoulder section and an extension. Admittedly, the shoulder section is a bit heavy. However, to help with this, a trolley will soon be available from TRUMPF that will make it easy to dock this item on quickly. Docking the extension requires almost no muscle power at all.” In fact, some modules are not very lightweight – a tribute to the tables’ safety and stability right down to the last detail. TRUMPF will not stop paying that tribute until it is sure that it has found a material that is lighter in weight and just as reliable as the heavier material.

Regarding material, carbon-fibre may not be able to take an unlimited load, but it is an important element in the modular interplay for interoperative diagnostics. LUMC currently prefers to use a fully translucent TRUMPF carbon-fibre table top for x-rays under the C-arm – instead of a competitor’s product which is left standing idle nearby. If needed, the hospital can add to its carbon-fibre product line at any time, from individual plate sections to helmets, ball joints and adapters.

“We are extremely pleased with the TRUMPF products,” confirms Vink and, as one who obviously likes to tinker, adds: “Now I think it would be useful if there were a forum where you could talk to other users and TRUMPF about how the modules can be used, interchanged as well as finding out about new configurations with existing sections or coming up with ideas for new sections.”