Bluetooth-Based Mobile Communication System Connects Surgeons

A new communication system for medical and surgical use allows surgeons to answer phone calls during operating room (OR) procedures, and serves as a helmet to protect the surgeon from blood and other body fluids.

The Phoenix Mobile Communication System (MCS) allows up to five participants to speak using small Bluetooth headsets, allowing hands-free communication within the group and the possibility of patching in a remote user via a cellular or web-based phone. When the remote user is dialed, they can also seamlessly communicate in full duplex with all users of the system. The range of the Phoenix MCS is 100 meters from the base unit, which is ten times the range of typical Bluetooth devices available. All components included in the system are powered via lithium-ion batteries for up to 10 hours of talk time and 300 hours standby, and do not require the use of wall outlets or land lines to function. The Phoenix Mobile Communication System is a product of Callpod (Chicago, IL, USA).

The MCS is packaged in a rugged laptop-size case with medical grade polyurethane holding a mobile conferencing base unit; five headsets equipped with fully adjustable telescoping ear wraps, dual-microphone noise cancellation and 100 meter range; a universal serial bus (USB) Bluetooth adapter for cellular phone calls or for calls made via voice over internet protocol (VOIP) connectivity using Skype, with a 100 meter range; and a Chargepod charging system for all components with worldwide outlet compatibility, and an additional car charger. The MCS comes with the components pre-paired for Bluetooth communication; turning on the unit will automatically establish a full duplex audio link with the headsets.

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