Hybrid Operating Rooms: Everything You Need to Know

A hybrid operating room,also known as a hybrid OR or hybrid operating theater, is a suite that allows for open and minimally invasive surgery performance plus imaging procedures. It is typically equipped with an X-ray machine and a CT or MRI scanner.

The hybrid operating room came about as a means to provide surgeons with the ability to image their patients during surgery without leaving the OR. This would minimize surgical site infections, blood loss, and patient trauma. In addition, it would allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of surgical complications.

This blog post will discuss a hybrid OR, its application, imaging techniques, planning considerations, and more!

What is a Hybrid Operating Room?

A hybrid operating room is a type of surgical facility that combines the features of a traditional operating room with those of an imaging suite. Advanced imaging equipment makes this unique environment possible, allowing surgeons and radiologists to work together more effectively.

Hybrid operating rooms are typically used for complex surgeries that require direct patient access and a high level of visualization. By bringing these two disciplines together in one place, hybrid operating rooms provide a more efficient and effective way to treat patients.

Benefits

The benefits of a hybrid OR are as follows:

Increased Efficiency

A hybrid operating room combines the features of a traditional room with those of an interventional radiology suite. This allows for procedures typically requiring two separate rooms to be performed in one room, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Enhanced Safety

A hybrid operating room offers surgeons access to imaging technology that they can use to help plan and guide procedures. This can help to reduce the risk of complications and ensure that systems are performed safely and effectively.

Improved Outcomes

Surgeons with access to imaging technology and other advanced features in a hybrid operating room can often achieve better results than those who do not have access to these features. Additionally, patients who undergo surgery in a hybrid operating room often have shorter hospital stays and experience less postoperative pain than those who undergo surgery in a traditional operating room.

Advantages of the hybrid operating theater vs. the traditional operating theater

Hybrid OR are increasingly being prioritized over traditional ones for the following:

Efficiency & Throughput

One of the main advantages of hybrid operating theaters is that they are more efficient than traditional operating theaters. This is because hybrid operating theaters allow a more excellent range of procedures to be carried out in one room, reducing the need for multiple rooms and staff. As a result, hybrid operating theaters can help to reduce surgical wait times and increase patient throughput.

Complexity

Another advantage of hybrid operating theaters is that they are better suited for complex procedures. This is because hybrid operating theaters have all the necessary equipment and resources in one room, making it easier for surgeons to carry out complex systems. Additionally, hybrid operating theaters typically have more giant footprints than traditional ones, providing more space for surgeons to work.

Patient Outcomes

Hybrid operating theaters is that they improve patient outcomes. This is because hybrid operating theaters allow for more outstanding communication between surgeons and other surgical team members, which can help ensure that all team members are on the same page. Additionally, hybrid operating theaters typically have better lighting and ventilation than traditional operating theaters, which can create a more comfortable environment for patients and help to reduce surgical complications.

Application

A hybrid operating room typically combines the features of a traditional room with those of a catheterization laboratory.

It is often used for surgeries that require both open and minimally invasive techniques. Common surgeries in hybrid operating rooms include:

● Cardiac valve replacement surgery.

● Complex endograft.

● Coronary artery bypass graft.

● Endovascular aneurysm repair.

It is also used for vascular and neurosurgery applications such as spinal fusion, biopsies, and emergency healthcare.

Imaging Techniques

The most common imaging modalities in a hybrid OR are magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), computed tomography (CT), and fluoroscopy. Fixed C-arm systems are frequently used for fluoroscopy due to their versatility.

MRI is typically used for brain, spine, and vascular surgery, providing excellent soft tissue contrast. CT is often used for trauma surgery, as it can provide detailed images of bony structures.

C-arms are medical imaging devices that produce fluoroscopic images or real-time x-rays. They are used in various medical procedures, from diagnostics to interventional procedures. In a diagnostic procedure, a C-arm helps a doctor to visualize the inside of the patient's body to make a diagnosis. Interventional procedures are ones in which the doctor uses the C-arm to guide instruments or devices through the body to the site of the problem.

Hybrid ORs also frequently use 3D imaging systems, which can be used for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance.

Planning Considerations

When planning to build a hybrid OR, note the following:

Location

The strategic placement of a hybrid operating room is critical when planning to build one. It should be close to other surgical facilities and departments to facilitate communication and collaboration. Additionally, the proximity of the operating room to radiology and surgical facilities will ensure that patients have quick and easy access to care.

Size

The size of a hybrid operating room is critical when planning to build one. The room must be large enough to house the equipment without getting cramped. It should also be large enough to accommodate the large number of professionals who often have to work in the room simultaneously. Finally, the space should be large enough to accommodate future growth and technological changes.

Workflow

It is essential to consider the various workflows that will exist side by side in hybrid ORs and how plans can be made to accommodate this.

Hybrid ORs are typically used for minimally invasive procedures that require both surgical and interventional radiology (IR) services.

However, the use of the OR for other procedure types is growing as well

For example, some surgeons now use the OR for trauma cases and open-heart surgery. This means that there will be a variety of workflows taking place in the same space. Planning for this when building a hybrid OR is vital to accommodate each workflow.

One way to do this is to build dedicated stations for each workflow. This will ensure that each team has the tools and equipment they need to perform their procedures efficiently and safely.

Another way to accommodate different workflows in a hybrid OR is to use mobile equipment. This allows teams to move around the OR as needed and still have all the equipment they need at their disposal.

Lights

Operating rooms are complex environments that require a variety of different lighting arrangements to function effectively. The hybrid operating room is no different. It is essential to consider the room's ambient lighting, surgical lighting, and dimming capabilities to provide the best possible care for patients.

The ambient lighting in the room should be bright enough to allow doctors and nurses to move around quickly but not so bright that it causes glare or reflections on monitors and other surfaces. The surgical lighting should be direct and adjustable so that surgeons can always see what they are doing.

Imaging System

Different types of imaging systems can be used in hybrid operating rooms. The most common, however, is a C-Arm, and its fixed variant is often more recommended than its mobile counterpart. This is because mobile C-Arms often have insufficient power, impacting image quality, and their cooling system can lead to overheating after just a few hours.

Another type of imaging system that can be used is a ceiling or floor-mounted system. However, ceiling-mounted procedures are not recommended if there is a risk of dust falling into the surgical wound.

When choosing between the ceiling and floor-mounted systems, it is crucial to consider factors such as the amount of ceiling/floor space available, where the surgical lights or booms are placed, and how easy it is to navigate the operating table during surgery.

Operating Tables

Operating tables are essential to any hybrid OR, as they must accommodate surgical and interventional procedures.

A floating tabletop is often used for interventional procedures such as angiography, allowing fast and precise movements. Carbon-fiber radiolucent tables are also used to allow imaging access to the patient from multiple angles. Segmented tabletops are often used for surgical procedures, as they will enable the surgeon to position the patient in various positions and provide access to different body parts. When planning to build a hybrid OR, it is essential to consider the operating tables that will be used, as they play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of procedures.

Requirement For Hybrid Operating Room

A hybrid OR must have advanced imaging systems that support multiple modalities, including fluoroscopy, angiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. These systems must have advanced integration with multiple monitors to provide a clear view of the patient and the procedure.

The OR should also have a control room that can be used to monitor and manage all aspects of the procedure, plus a separate equipment storage room to keep all of the necessary equipment organized and safe.

Lastly, it should have high bandwidth to accommodate all connectivity sources and destinations.

Where to get the Hybrid Operating Room?

If you're looking for a one-stop shop for all your hybrid OR equipment needs, look no further than Medwish. We sell premium equipment at wholesale prices and offer financing services to help our customers get the best gear for their facility without breaking the bank.

We understand that opting for a hybrid OR can be a significant investment, but we're here to help make that process as smooth and affordable as possible.

So whether you're in the market for new surgical tables, imaging systems, or any other type of OR equipment, Medwish is the name you can trust. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Conclusion

A hybrid operating room is an OR equipped with advanced imaging systems and state-of-the-art equipment. This allows both surgical and interventional procedures to be performed in the same room, saving time and money. If you're interested in outfitting your facility with a hybrid OR, Medwish is the name you can trust for all your equipment needs. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.