An operating theatre equipment list is the starting point for planning, budgeting and tendering a new or refurbished room. This guide sets out the main items of a general theatre, from the table and surgical lights to pendants, integration and suction, and explains which items are fixed to the building and which are mobile, so that procurement teams and consultants can coordinate orders with the construction programme.
Fixed equipment built into the room
Fixed equipment is anything that depends on the building: ceiling pendants, suspension arms for lights and monitors, wall panels with gas outlets, medical gas pipelines and alarms, isolated power supply where specified, and the cabling for video and data. These items need structural support, first-fix services and coordination with the ceiling and air-handling design, so they must be specified early.
Lojer Solido pendants are an example of a pendant that can be configured as a surgical or anaesthesia unit, built to order with the electrical and medical components required. Suspension systems such as the Q-Flow SOLO, DUO, TRIO and QUAD family carry surgical lights and monitors, with SOLO available in mobile, wall and ceiling versions and QUAD offering four horizontally swivelling arms.
Operating table, lights and positioning equipment
The operating table is usually treated as semi-fixed. It may be a mobile unit with a column base or a fixed-base design, and it should be chosen with the imaging, accessories and range of procedures in mind. Surgical lights are the next major decision: ceiling-mounted lights on a suspension system, supported by a spare or mobile light for backup.
Positioning equipment completes the group: arm supports, leg holders, patient warming accessories and instrument tables. Many of these are mobile, but they should still be counted on the list because they define storage and room size.
Anaesthesia, suction and monitoring
An anaesthesia workplace usually includes the anaesthesia machine, patient monitor, infusion pumps, suction and the supply of gases and power. The machine itself is mobile or mounted on a pendant, while gas outlets, scavenging connections and sockets belong to the fixed side. Decide early whether a separate anaesthesia pendant is needed, and read our guide to anesthesia pendants for configuration points.
Surgical suction is normally a combination of the pipeline vacuum outlet and portable or electric units for specific tasks. Count both types and the canisters, tubing and accessories that go with them.
Video, integration and control
Video equipment can range from a single camera and monitor to a fully integrated room. An integration system connects video and audio sources, medical devices and room functions on one interface. The Lojer OpenOR is described as an open-architecture system that integrates devices from any manufacturer, connects to HIS, BMS and PACS, and uses a fibre network that supports uncompressed 4K.
Decide how much integration is needed now and how much later. A modular system lets a hospital begin with the AV layer and add features afterwards, which spreads the investment and avoids rework of the cabling.
Mobile and consumable items to list
The remaining items are mobile or semi-portable. Bring them into the list so that nothing is left to the final week of the project.
- Electrosurgical unit and patient return plates.
- Endoscopy or laparoscopy tower, where used.
- Mobile C-arm or portable imaging, with radiation protection.
- Instrument tables, Mayo stand and kick buckets.
- Warming cabinets, blood and fluid warmers.
- Emergency equipment: defibrillator, backup suction and resuscitation set.
- Storage, scrub sinks and clean-up items outside the room.
Planning the list with a supplier
A good list shows quantity, location, utility demand and the delivery stage of each item. For hybrid theatres, add imaging, radiation shielding and larger display arrangements. Beckfinity can help review the list against manufacturer data and provide a quote for the ceiling and integration items; see also our note on equipment procurement in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fixed and mobile theatre equipment?
Fixed equipment is installed into the building, such as pendants, suspension arms and gas outlets. Mobile equipment can be moved between rooms, such as anaesthesia machines, C-arms and instrument tables.
What extra equipment does a hybrid operating room need?
A hybrid room adds fixed or mobile imaging, a compatible radiolucent table, shielding, and a larger ceiling layout for displays and pendants. The exact list depends on the procedures planned.
Do I need an integration system in every theatre?
Not always. Basic rooms can operate with separate video equipment, but rooms for laparoscopy, teaching or telementoring benefit from integration. A modular system can be added in stages.
Where can I buy surgical equipment in the UAE?
Through authorised distributors that handle registration, delivery, installation and service. Ask for documentation of the manufacturer's authorisation and local support.
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