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Sunday, May 11, 2008

New Operating Room at CHH Features New Technology

Last updated: 01/11/2008

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The advanced lighting system is the first set installed in West Virginia

Cabell Huntington Hospital recently opened its 11th operating room, which features some of the latest technology designed for more efficient surgical procedures.

The new operating room is equipped with cameras, monitors, high-intensity lighting and a computer that integrates all of the equipment to work together.

"The SkyVision system is a fully digital system that will make things easier for the surgeon and the operating room staff," said Debbie Ball, RN, nurse manager of the Surgery Department at Cabell Huntington Hospital. "It allows the surgeon to have access to more information, such as X-rays, EKGs and pathology images, without having the leave the patient's side."

The system integrates information, such as results from previous tests or scans, and places them at the surgeon's fingertips. During the procedure, the surgeon can look at one of four monitors located right next to the patient to find the images he or she needs.

With the exception of the operating table, all of the equipment is attached to booms that are fixed to the ceiling, allowing more flexible positioning of the patient and the equipment.

"Having all of the equipment connected to the booms frees up floor space and reduces the number of cables and cords on the floor, which makes it a safer patient treatment area," Ball said.

One feature that is very important is the advanced lighting system that has been installed in the new operating room. "These lights are the first set installed in West Virginia," Ball said. "They are LED lights, which provide a higher intensity, but without the glare, so they are softer and easier on our eyes." Ball said the temperature of the lights is cooler, too.

Built into one of the lights is a camera that can transmit images of the surgery to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine for teaching purposes. "Surgeons can perform an operation and transmit it to the university to show the surgical students via a secure internet transmission." Ball said.

Cabell Huntington Hospital's Surgery Department now has 11 general operating rooms; one cystology and lithotripsy room in which urological-related procedures are performed; and three endoscopy rooms, in which surgical procedures are performed using an endoscope to see the internal anatomy less invasively than with open surgery.