Syensqo, MezLight Debut Sterile Reusable Surgical Task Light

Syensqo and medical device solutions specialist MezLight LLC are teaming up to bring an innovative surgical lighting system to market that features major components molded in Radel polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU).

The resulting MezLight reportedly is the world’s first sterile surgical task light designed to provide bright, focused high-definition illumination for the operating room and relieve surgeons of the physical burden of wearing heavy and cumbersome headlamps during procedures. The adjustable arm enables accurate work area illumination and improves surgeons’ ergonomics by removing the weight associated with conventional headlights. It also does not obstruct face shields.

“We are very pleased to have been a part in this breakthrough medical innovation,” Syensqo Global Marketing Manager Natalie Dragunat stated. “The MezLight demonstrates the superior performance offered by our specialty polymers to the healthcare industry, including high mechanical durability, heat and chemical resistance, sterilizability and hydrolytic stability.”

The top engineering challenges to be met in developing the MezLight included designing a light that could be steam sterilized multiple times and have the necessary mechanical robustness for the grabbing and positioning during application. A high-temperature-resistant material was needed to handle the heat from the LED component and ensure the polymer’s high glass transition temperature would prevent deformation. Radel PPSU was selected for the light’s removable shield. It was also chosen for the power and brightness control enclosure, which is sealed against moisture ingress. The system has been successfully laboratory tested to survive a minimum of 100 autoclave cycles.

“By designing with Radel polymers, we were able to implement our vision of a surgical task light that eliminates the physical discomfort, poor ergonomics and distraction associated with traditional headlights, while at the same time maximizing the expected product life despite the harsh conditions of repeated cleaning and steam sterilization,” said Bill Dorr, director of Product Design & Quality at MezLight.

Mezlight’s main users are hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, military medical, and veterinary facilities.

Syensqo is a global provider of advanced performance materials and chemical solutions.