Jones AV has launched ‘Integrated Operating Theatre of Things’ (ITOT) technology in a bid to improve operating room AV set-ups. Jones says that by harnessing smart power management, reducing the number of devices via a fully digital signal chain, and using remote controls it cuts energy consumption to less than 75% of comparable systems.
The company installed the first ITOT system at the Cambridge Surgical Training Centre in September 2023 after 18 months of research. Collaborating with RH consultants for the systems design, and Audiologic and Sennheiser for equipment supply and advice, Jones established a demo operating theatre.
Under the guidance of Audiologic business manager Jess Raraty, and Sennheiser, Jones put together a system incorporating technology including a Q-SYS Core Nano AV&C processor, Sennheiser Team Connect Ceiling Mic II, Genelec 4420AWM Smart IP speakers and Audinate ADP USB AU, as well as Dante Bluetooth module.
One of the main challenges in operating theatres is audio interference, particularly from electrosurgical devices such as surgical knives. Jones AV wanted a system with no requirement for personal microphones, which can be challenging in a sterile area.
“We continually struggled with audio routing limitations as part of video over IP systems, as they do not allow for true matrix routing when multiple participants or platforms are involved,” said Ingo Aicher, managing director, Jones AV.
The resulting demo room trials showed no interference, advanced audio routing capabilities, end-to-end digital high quality and successful remote access to control all devices in the signal chain, the company says. The technology was then deployed at the Cambridge Surgical Training Centre.
With the system now in the UK and Norway, the company has received around 60 more orders with operations to be deployed over the next 18 months
