By Healthcare Facilities Today

Hospitals across the country are creating a new breed of surgery spaces called hybrid operating rooms, according to an article on the Healthcare Design website. Hybrid ORs combine the surgical capacity of traditional operating rooms with the imaging capabilities of a catheterization lab, two spaces that have traditionally been distinct. Combining imaging and surgical capabilities offers great advantages in patient care and cost efficiency. 

Having imaging and X-ray equipment in an operating room means less invasive, safer procedures with faster recovery times for patients. The imaging equipment helps surgeons pinpoint the area of incision and provides instantaneous feedback during procedures. According to the article, designing a hybrid focusing on the clinical flow creates new opportunities for interventional platforms. It also creates cultural and design implications for the entire surgical suite and the hospital as a whole.  

The first step in planning a hybrid OR is to seek input from each of the surgical specialists who will utilize the room. Design teams should include representatives from surgical and perioperative departments, administration, facilities and IT. The article stresses that during the design phase it’s critical to use the latest 3-D drawing tools to create a clear vision of the hybrid room’s elements. 

Read the article.

Watch for a related article on a Akron General Medical Center project Friday.