It is believed to be the world’s first, modular lighting system for intensive care and surgical environments that works with the natural cycle of day and night. AmbientLine creates an atmosphere that increases the wellbeing not only of patients but also that of staff and visitors. AmbientLine makes sound business sense too. As well as adding value and distinction, it can also save money. The average cost involved in keeping a patient in intensive care is in the region of £1,500 per day. The therapeutic effect of AmbientLine can help to shorten a patient’s stay in a high dependency bed. Even if the reduction is just one day, the cumulative cost savings are significant. AmbientLine is also highly energy efficient due to the latest LED technology, ensuring low power consumption and long life.
Design awards
AmbientLine has already won three prestigious design awards – capturing early attention and recognition. This new product line is now available in the UK, and naturally, it is a main feature in the company’s recently opened world-class showroom in Luton. It was developed by Trumpf following extensive research into the biological and psychological influences of light on the recovery process. It is another world-first for Trumpf – the company claims to have been the first to introduce LED technology to operating theatre and intensive care environments. This award-winning system works with the natural cycle of day and night. It uses different brightness and colour phases to simulate the light-dark cycles that many patients miss under conventional room lighting. In ICUs especially, patients are exposed to unnatural lighting and this disrupts their circadian rhythms. A study conducted by the Friedrich- Wilhelms University in Bonn confirmed that this is often a hindrance to recovery. More than a third of the ICU patients monitored showed additional signs of depression, anxiety and confusion after three to five days. Integrated in to ceiling pendants, AmbientLine can provide direct and indirect lighting. It is simply and flexibly activated at the patient’s bedside or even from the door, using an intuitively controlled touch screen. This makes it easier for the caregiver to reach the patient without having to light up the entire room and disturb other patients. A special LED light designed for platforms and drawers allows easy and secure access to necessary instruments at the bedside and additional lighting units are available for patient examination and treatment. These are directed towards different areas on the bed and can be operated independently. In the event of an emergency, however, full lighting can be activated at the push of a single button. A special semi-transparent screen suspended over the bed provides the personal touch. Its colour is easily adjusted to suit patient preference. Additionally, this serves as a projection screen when teamed with a beamer connecting the patient with information, the Internet, entertainment and communication systems such as Patientline. It can also deliver personal messages and family photographs, to enhance recovery. A glare-free reading light is integrated into the design that is adjusted and controlled by the patient. More ambient light is introduced into the room by coloured wall lighting that also serves as a night light. Indirect floor and ceiling lighting is available for use in the operating theatre and is ideal for endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. Soft, coloured and individually adjustable ambient light improves monitor screen contrast. AmbientLine brings important benefits to the welfare of the patients, clinicians and visitors and gives the hospital competitive advantage. It can be retrofitted to all Trumpf klinPORT and incarePORT pendants installed beyond the year 2000.