Optimizing Imaging Systems for Multiple Procedures, Part 3: Streamlining the Hybrid OR

This is Part 3 in a 5-part series about optimizing multi-procedure imaging systems. Part 1 offered an overview of benefits. Part 2 detailed how these systems enhance the patient experience. In Part 3, we’ll show how they increase staff efficiency.

Imaging systems capable of performing multiple procedures influence better medical outcomes by increasing productivity and flexibility in the hybrid OR. Here are four ways multi-procedure imaging systems improve hospital efficiency.

1. Perform more procedures in the same space

Traditional imaging labs are specialty-specific, typically accommodating only one type of procedure or discipline. That’s inefficient because spaces sit idle when no one needs them. Unused spaces cause delays for other high-demand procedures. Hospitals have rooms, but the rooms don’t have the necessary equipment.

Multi-procedure imaging systems can help hospitals reduce wasted space and meet demand. A hybrid lab can be used for heart catheterizations, cardiology, neurology, surgery and interventional radiology. Spaces can still be semi-dedicated to specific disciplines, but also available if needed for others. For example, hospitals can temporarily shift peripheral work to an available cath lab if the IR is full.

2. Scheduling flexibility & physician preferences

Multi-procedure imaging systems also offer scheduling flexibility. Hospitals can schedule procedures in any available room that accommodates them rather than wait for dedicated spaces.

They can also save space, which is always at a premium. Hospitals no longer need 12 different rooms for 12 different procedures. Now, they can accommodate the same number of procedures (or more) with just six rooms, for example.

Another benefit: multi-procedure imaging systems cater to individual surgeon preferences. For example, two surgeons might prefer different skull clamps. Rather than set up dedicated spaces for each, staff can simply swap attachments between procedures.

3. Intraprocedural flexibility

With multi-procedure imaging systems, staff can quickly switch between imaging and treatment during procedures. IGT and hybrid OR suites enable caregivers to conduct more than one procedure during the same surgery. They can also transition from minimally invasive surgeries to open procedures if needed.

Facilitated by positioning aids, attachments and accessories, these flexible spaces increase productivity and cost-efficiency while helping hospitals treat more patients in less time.

4. Quicker setup and conversion time between procedures

An optimized imaging suite facilitates quick changeover between procedures, which improves staff productivity and helps hospitals serve more patients.

For example, a room outfitted with a C-arm could perform multiple types of fluoroscopic procedures – a GI barium test for one patient, an angiography for the next, and an orthopedic procedure for the next.

Next steps

See how optimizing imaging systems for multiple procedures can help hospitals maximize profits in Part 4 of this series.