Hybrid Cath Labs: The Perfect Combination

1
Hybrid Cath Labs The Perfect Combination
www.atlantisworldwide.com
By Vikki Harmonay
2
Hybrid Cath Labs combine traditional diagnostic
functions of a Cath lab with surgical functions
usually found only in an operating room. Unless
you are building your hybrid Cath lab from the
ground up, oftentimes Cath labs are placed in
locations adjacent to surgical suites. However,
its now common for interventional specialists to
have hybrid facilities. Hybrid Cath labs are
especially popular with interventional
cardiologists, neuro surgeons, cardiac surgeons
and vascular surgeons. Procedures that are well
suited for hybrid Cath labs including peripheral
stenting, abdominal aortic aneurysms,
percutaneous valve repair, minimally invasive
direct coronary artery bypass and aneurysm
coiling.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
3
Its important to note that the design and
construction of a hybrid Cath lab is not as
simple as just combining a Cath lab and OR. Here
are three areas on which to focus if your goal is
to have a hybrid Cath lab at your healthcare
facility.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
4
A Team Approach
If you want a successful implementation of a
hybrid Cath lab, a team approach is essential.
Your architects and planners will need to
understand the roles of each team member and find
ways to balance the requirements of both surgeons
and the Cath lab professionals. Staffing will
include teams in cardiology, surgery,
anesthesiology, electrophysiology, perfusion,
echo, nursing and support staff. The entire team
must be committed to serving patients in an
innovative way. By providing both the ability to
diagnose cardiac conditions and then quickly
providing surgical procedures to patients, your
facility will provide a clear benefit and
advantage. Your whole team must be in sync with
that goal.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
5
Careful Planning
When planning your hybrid Cath lab, many things
must be considered, including the location of
your equipment, HVAC, vibration and radiation
exposure. Vibration testing is necessary because
the bi-plane is very sensitive. Mitigation may be
required. Vibration sources from inside the
facility could include fan units near the lab. In
a perfect world, youll eliminate vibration at
the source. However sometimes vibration isolation
techniques may be required.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
6
Where the equipment is located is also important.
Because each clinical discipline needs a
different set of equipment in the hybrid lab,
there can be conflicts over space and placement.
Its important to provide compromise locations
that still offer efficient use of the required
equipment. Your engineering staff can predict and
plan for facility issues including power, HVAC
and other building infrastructure services. Of
course, radiation is a constant concern in Cath
labs and its even more important in a hybrid
Cath lab. In a hybrid lab, all personnel will be
required to wear aprons during any procedure
requiring even minimal amounts of concurrent
imaging, including surgeons. In addition, a
radiation safety specialist will determine how
the lab must be shielded. As a rule, radiation
protection will be provided by mass, most likely
by lining the walls with lead panels.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
7
A hybrid lab will also need additional
ventilation and cooling systems. Because everyone
will need to wear aprons, lower air temperatures
may be required. Lower temperatures are also used
to control patient metabolism during surgery.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
8
Smart Design
Existing Cath labs usually have insufficient
space for hybrid procedures. A bi-plane unit
requires specific vertical space requirements,
which include a ceiling height of 96-99. If
your medical center was built with an
interstitial floor, its easier to make the
insertion of a hybrid Cath lab. When designing a
hybrid Cath lab, cabling, wiring and hoses must
be off the floor in order to facilitate
housecleaning and prevent tripping hazards. Every
component must be placed carefully. Be sure to
plan discuss thoroughly with your vendors that
will be installing your equipment.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
9
During construction, the highest Infection
Control Risk Assessment controls must be
followed. Those in adjacent spaces will need to
know that renovations will be disruptiveincluding
noise, utility shut-down coordination and access
during construction. With proper planning, you
can create an ideal hybrid Cath lab that provides
concurrent diagnosis and treatment of patients
needing cardiac procedures. The result will be a
more effective facility that serves patients
exceptionally well.
www.atlantisworldwide.com
10
Talk To An Expert
If you have questions about hybrid Cath labs or
need medical imaging equipment for yours, talk to
the experts at Atlantis Worldwide. Were happy to
provide guidance and help you find the right
equipment at the perfect price. To find out
more, contact Atlantis Worldwide Today!
www.atlantisworldwide.com
11
Some blogs you may have missed

• Top 10 Tips for the Operating Theater
  Radiographer
• Single-Plane Or Bi-Plane Cath Labs Which Is
  Right For You?
• Keeping Your Cath Lab Cool
• Comparing The GE Innova Digital Cath Lab Family
  2100, 3100 4100
• Top 7 C-Arms for Your Orthopedic Practice

www.atlantisworldwide.com
12
https//info.atlantisworldwide.com/blog/hybrid-cat
h-labs-the-perfect-combination
www.atlantisworldwide.com
13

• Contact Us

60 East 42nd Street, Suite 4600, New York, NY
10165 Phone [phone] Toll Free
1-800-533-3356 Fax [phone]
info_at_atlantisworldwide.com https//www.atlantisw
orldwide.com https//info.atlantisworldwide.com/b
log