Biplane Hybrid Operating Room vs Other Imaging Setups

Four common imaging configurations

Fixed single-plane systems use a floor- or ceiling-mounted C-arm that sits in a parked position and swings in when needed. Biplane systems add a second imaging plane for simultaneous views, which is used in some neurovascular and complex endovascular work. Robotic-arm systems carry the imaging detector on a multi-axis robot, and CT-on-rails moves a scanner along a track between the operating table and a parking bay.

Selection depends on the procedures, the volume and the budget, and the choice should come from clinicians with the imaging vendor. Hospitals that evaluate Siemens, Philips, GE or other imaging systems should compare them on a written site planning guide for each, which sets the exact space, load and service demands.

How each configuration changes the ceiling

Ceiling-mounted imaging uses rails that cross much of the ceiling, which limits where lights, pendants and monitor arms can hang. Floor-mounted imaging frees the ceiling, but the base occupies floor space near the table. A biplane arrangement typically uses both a floor and a ceiling component, so its ceiling plan is the most constrained.

In every case a coordinated reflected ceiling plan is essential. Mark the imaging motion envelope, then place lights, pendants and display arms outside it or on parking positions that clear it. Longer arms help. SIMEON suspension systems accept up to four arms on one axis and arm lengths up to 2,000 mm for hybrid ORs, and the Sim.FLEX design allows arms to be added after installation.

Table, pendants and positioning

A hybrid room needs a table compatible with the imaging system, usually radiolucent and able to float and tilt within the imaging reach. Check the table interface with the imaging vendor, as the combination is often specified together.

Pendants must serve the anaesthesia and surgical teams without crossing the imaging path. Lojer Solido pendants are built to order as surgical or anaesthesia pendants, so their length, head and outlets can be matched to the room layout. For further guidance on layout see the overview of hybrid operating room requirements.

CT in the operating room

CT on rails brings cross-sectional imaging into the theatre for spine, trauma and neurosurgery procedures. It needs a parking bay, a structural and shielding design suited to the scanner, and a table that can interface with the gantry. The rail along the floor affects trolley routes and pendant positions.

Because a CT gantry is large, check ceiling height and the position of lights and arms when the gantry is in the scanning position. Ask the vendor for a drawing that shows every motion state.

Questions before choosing

Compare on neutral criteria and request the same documents from each vendor.

• Which procedures will use the room most, and what image quality do they require?
• What are the room size, ceiling height and structural load figures in the vendor's planning guide?
• How much of the ceiling does the imaging rail system occupy?
• Which table, lights and pendants are confirmed compatible?
• How are imaging and room video integrated for the surgeon?

Planning support

Beckfinity can help plan the pendant and suspension layout around your chosen imaging system. Read the overview of the hybrid operating room or contact our team for a layout review.