7 innovations that improve efficiency in the operating room

Operations are primarily income-generating activities in hospitals and health facilities. Hence, efficiency is critical in the operating room (OR), where time equates to both money and a person’s life.

Numerous operations are performed in operating theaters every day to remove tumors or replace defective body parts. And while performing them allows surgeons to hone their skills, these improvements need to be complemented by technology to improve surgical procedures and their overall outcomes.

Ultimately, OR staff must have all the resources they need to minimize errors and downtime while improving the patient experience. Below are some of the emerging innovations that will increase efficiency in the OR.

1. Technologically advanced surgical cameras

With the latest imaging technology, doctors can operate with surgical precision. Advanced surgical cameras can not only provide three-dimensional views, but also capture high-resolution images. They are extremely small and can be inserted into any body cavity, helping surgeons reach any internal area. Inside, these cameras create an accurate map of the patient’s body.

In addition, there are surgical headlights that not only illuminate the operating field. Others are equipped with video recording functions such as The LED surgical headlight system from BFW to facilitate minimally invasive surgical interventions.

2. Hybrid operating rooms

As the name suggests, a hybrid operating room is a traditional operating room outfitted with the latest technology and imaging systems, including computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and the like. This type of operating room also has modern surgical instruments for minimally invasive interventions.

A hybrid surgical procedure requires far more precise and efficient methods than in conventional operating rooms. However, by estimates of millions of dollars, it can be costly to set up and maintain.

3. Robotic surgery

Surgical robotic assistants are becoming more common in the operating room. They are used in several surgical procedures, including hip replacement surgery, heart valve repairs, and gynecological surgery.

Robotic surgical interventions can be carried out in both open and minimally invasive operations. One of the main advantages of this technology is the increased precision and control it offers surgeons, thereby improving patient outcomes. As a result, fewer mistakes are made, while patients become more satisfied with the medical services they receive.

4. Artificial intelligence

In addition to robotics, technology-oriented hospitals rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to make better decisions before and during surgical procedures. In most of the hospitals where it is installed, the AI ​​assists health workers by showing real-time video of the surgery and comparing it to the patient’s surgery card.

Before the procedure, algorithms present data analyzes and instructions to the surgeon on an electronic device. This gives doctors enough resources to decide how to handle a particular case. The system analyzes what happens during the operation and helps surgeons better predict their subsequent actions, improve outcomes, while avoiding serious procedural errors.

With the current shortage of doctors and nurses worldwide, it means that Artificial intelligence could dominate the operating room in 2024. While AI cannot make operational decisions, it can help hospitals manage their human resources – or lack thereof – more sensibly.

5. Digital microscope

The human body is made up of complex systems. In neurosurgery and all surgical procedures, a seemingly insignificant mistake can have profound effects. For this reason, advanced imaging technologies are always welcomed by doctors in the operating room.

In 2018, a groundbreaking technology was launched in the operating room: a robot-operated digital microscope. With the hands free, surgeons can keep their hands on the patient while they watch the high-resolution video on large monitor screens powered by the digital microscope.

6. Speech recognition system

As in a smart home, the medical devices in an operating room can be set up to work without touching buttons or switches. Advanced operating room systems allow the installation of speech recognition software to operate devices and perform other functions such as recording a video using voice commands.

7. Virtual Reality and Surgical Apps to Improve Skills

Medical companies have enabled surgeons to practice outside of the hospital through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR technology uses a video app or smartphone to create a representation of an actual operating room environment, while VR uses computer-generated images to create an alternative reality.

In either case, non-hospital surgeons can use specific surgical applications, specialized headsets, and 3D scans of the patient to practice prior to the actual surgical plan. This significantly reduces errors and speeds up surgical procedures without compromising the quality of healthcare.

The bottom line

The shortage of healthcare professionals and the pandemic have continued to drain hospital resources. Now, more than ever, the time has come to develop better practices in the operating room with a variety of tools and streamlined workflows. Thanks to these innovations in the operating room, medical staff can perform their tasks more efficiently and guarantee better results.

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