Depending on the operating procedure, the patient can be positioned in a normal or reverse position. This flexibility ensures optimal access of the surgical team to the patient. In addition, the convenient use of additional equipment is guaranteed, such as the C-arm in all X-ray surgical procedures. Dr. Hermann Ingerl, specialist endoscopy and bronchoscopy at the Robert Bosch Hospital in Stuttgart (RBK-Clinic Schillerhöhe), has tested the operating table.

Clinic Schillerhöhe is a large lung center, which annually carries 4000 bronchoscopies and all the procedures offered that one can perform in diagnostic interventional bronchoscopy.
Dr. Ingerl is using a new method with valves in the bronchi : he decided to position the patient in the reverse position for most of its operations. This position allows improved access for the surgical team.
The use of the C-arm is simplified, because it no longer hurts the table basis, but instead gets its place easily. Dr. Ingerl continues: "The headrest can be turned down - an important aspect, since we often intubate the patient's head with a rigid endoscope, head which then must get lower. In addition, the table is electromagnetically neutral and therefore can be used in electromagnetic navigation method. "

The so-called Steris Unimax has 270 kilograms weight capacity when patient lies in the normal position, 220 kg in the reverse orientation and up to 500 kilograms when patient is centrally positioned on the column. Thanks to its electro-hydraulic pillar the operating table is very flexible. Unimax offers 2 independent motorized split-leg sections with quick HI-LOCK mounting system, ergonomic locking handles and anti-pinch articulations. Also available is a motorized kidney elevator, and an interactive Bluetooth remote control.

Unimax is constructed of top quality materials to ensure long life-time. The solid column and table top are brushed stainless steel, rails in aeronautical-quality aluminum, bellows covered in waterproof PVC.
Electrolytic surface polishing removes any risk of surface alteration even after many years of use. In addition, the table top is removable for easy maintenance and the E-SERVE function enables immediate performance diagnosis by a simple connection. Four large directional wheels are designed for easier mobility, as are a double battery/mains power supply and a dual back-up system. This dual emergency system consists of a hydraulic emergency manual system on the column and a foot mechanical pump underneath the base.
Dr. Ingerl explains why he has chosen the operating table of Steris: "We had six or seven operating tables on trial here, but none of them met our needs. Then we tried Unimax and decided for it : we use this table for a year and are very happy with it. "


Pictured above from left to right: Dr. Hermann Ingerl, senior physician bronchoscopy and pneumology, RBK-Clinic Schillerhöhe, Milena Djorugyan, specialist trainee, Anne-Marie Geler, specialist endoscopy nurse, Carmen Hanle, senior endoscopy nurse.