Ergonomics and Flexibility in the Operating Room
Luc Dube
Physique et genie Biomedical
Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal
Sheila Theophanides
Associate Architect,
Lemay associes architecture et design
Montreal Qc, Canada
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Case Study: Montreal Orthopaedic Operating suite
The rapid growth of minimally invasive surgery techniques (MIS) in the operating room has changed the surgical environment’s design in a significant and non-reversible way.
These new surgical techniques are closely associated with a large number of medical equipment. In our project, we were challenged with building an orthopaedic operating room for the future (ORF) that could function for both open surgery and MIS. Our main objective was to improve the ergonomics and flexibility in the operating room.
Methods
Through effective design, create opportunities for future flexibility that would permit changes and evolution in both technology and equipment, without affecting ergonomics or requiring costly architectural re-design.
Results
1. We developed the concept of a ‘Bio-medical raceway’ that increases the flexibility of the operating room after its completion. This new raceway allows any new services to be added for new equipment installations without requiring wall or ceiling demolition and restoration.
2. The concept of a ‘Bio-medical Hub room’ was considered to reduce the abundance of equipment around the operating table, and enhance the ergonomic quality and safety of staff working around the operating table.
3. The architectural concept and functional layout of specific zones within the operating room is of particular importance in providing adequate areas for each user group.
A dedicated zone for each user group was designed to avoid cross circulation during procedures. To ensure full flexibility in the use of the OR, the positioning of the ceiling laminar flows and all the ceiling-mounted equipment booms allow the rotation of the operating table in either direction.
Conclusion
The complexity in OR design will increase as MIS techniques and surgical robots become more common. The cardio, neuro and orthopaedic suites are probably the most challenging to design. Original solutions that can provide economic advantages in the long run will be required to maintain proper ergonomics in the OR through its evolution in time.
Keywords: ergonomics, flexibility, bio-medical adaptability
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