We make use of technology in many ways every day. When a new technology emerges, we maximize its advantages to benefit ourselves and our work. Hybrid operating rooms maximize technological advantages to benefit patients. Let’s explore that.
What Is a Hybrid Operating Room?
A hybrid operating room mixes interventional radiology and surgical equipment. The idea, as noted above, is to maximize the advantages of both to benefit patients. Although this concept is relatively new, it has huge potential to change surgery—and benefit patients—in a variety of ways.
Not surprisingly, hybrid operating rooms require some changes. One is size. Hybrid operating rooms are about twice the size of traditional ORs. The extra room is required to fit the surgical equipment that is housed in a regular operating room, as well as very sophisticated imaging technology. The result is that medical teams can perform imaging tests and surgical procedures in the same room.
That’s why so many medical personnel are involved in planning and implementing hybrid operating rooms. A hybrid OR team should include vascular, neurovascular, and cardiothoracic surgeons; interventional cardiologists and radiologists; OR and cath lab nursing staff and radiology techs; IT; biomedical engineers; and administrators from these departments. With their combined expertise, the hospital or surgical facility can ensure that the hybrid operating room is outfitted properly.
How Will It Change Surgery?
A hybrid OR gives surgeons the capacity to finish different procedures, from open-heart surgeries to stenting coronary arteries, without moving between floors. In fact, with a hybrid OR, the patient doesn’t even have to be moved from one room to another, let alone from one floor to another.
When patients are in serious or critical condition, minutes—and even seconds—can make a difference. That time can be precious, and moving the patient around less can be beneficial in many ways. Notably, hybrid operating rooms have the potential to reduce morbidity and reduce the risk of infection. Clearly, moving the patient around less can save time, which can be a key factor in reducing morbidity in an emergency situation. Keeping the patient in a hybrid OR, as opposed to moving back and forth from a radiology area to a surgical suite, can reduce the risk of infection.
Other advantages may include streamlined care, shorter recovery time, and a briefer hospital stay. These factors will appeal to patients; the combination of a quicker recovery and a shorter stay means they can return to normal life sooner. That can have additional healing effects, too.
Ready for Your Next Assignment?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Do you have experience with hybrid operating rooms yet, or is this still a new concept for you? When you’re looking for your next assignment, we’ll be here to help. Call us at 310.436.3650; we’re excited to work with you.
