2011 Nicaragua Trip Update

This is what the lamp looked like right before the trip.

 Here's a brief summary of the trip to Nicaragua (Summer 2011).

1. District Hospital of Esteli, Nicaragua: We assembled the lamp in front of the technicians and officials of the hospital. Once the lamp was put together, we demonstrated its use and various features. In general, the lamp was well-received and people were highly interested. They even took pictures of the lamp!

• Is there a need for improved surgical lamps? Yes. More efficient lamps are needed (v.s. conventional incandescent lamps).
• Is need constant or sporadic? The lamp we have here works well sometimes, but is intermittent. Bulbs don’t last long (200-300 hrs) from the overhead source. We tried to extend life by adding protection/insulation. We have electrical energy but quality of the lamp is a problem. Power also gets interrupted, and we tried to fix fluctuations from power surges. For example, this morning, we lost power for three hours (happens about once a month), but we do have two back-up electrical generators (can support everything but X-ray) that can each supply 72 hours worth of power. 
• Hospital does not have any type of mobile solar systems, but that could be potentially helpful in different areas. 
• Hospital's top priorities for a surgical light source: white light, cool, low energy.
• They really liked the ~12 in. diameter spot and how we worked on shadow control.
• Ideal/desired battery life is ~12 hrs.
  
• They liked how we used PVC to narrow beam angle.
• They suggested the wooden base made of something else. Keep it light, but some weight would be good for balance and stability.
• They suggested lamp head open like an umbrella mechanism to adjust focus...however, the current setup is good enough for minor surgeries.
• Make it consistent with different assembly tools (for instance, be able to assemble the lamp with 2-3 different tools).
• Most complicated issue for the hospital is to buy and attach LEDs, otherwise the lamp can be built there.

 

2. Sacuanjoche Clinic in Matagalpa, Nicaragua: We visited a small private clinic that visits isolated rural villages routinely to provide health services. We also traveled to one of the villages, Santa Ana, with the clinic. During the visit, we experienced a power outtage that delayed medical exams. See where the lamp comes in? Here are some of the feedbacks:

• Change wood base...perhaps to a tripod base.
• Be able to focus the light.
• Adjustable (extendable) arm.
• All parts are readily available in Nicaragua says Dr. Armando (head of the clinic).
• Increased portability: this was the clinic's particular interest since they frequently visit rural villages with their medical equipments.

Elliot