SoutheastHEALTH has enlarged and upgraded an operating suite to handle the most complex heart and blood vessel problems. This hybrid operating suite is designed for multispecialty use that can include cardiac, interventional radiology, orthopedic and neurosurgery procedures. It also can accommodate both traditional open heart procedures and advanced, minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

The suite provides a sterile space in which cardiologists and cardiac surgeons can work side by side to treat blood vessel and heart valve problems using minimally invasive techniques. These procedures range from endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, treatment of blockage in the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, spleen, lower extremities and other organs to malfunctioning aortic and mitral valves in the heart.

"Within the past year, we've seen a 25 percent increase in the number of minimally invasive endovascular procedures being performed at SoutheastHEALTH," says Jan Rigdon, MSN, RN, MBA, CNOR and executive director of the Cardiovascular Service Line and Perioperative Services. "This is reflective of a paradigm shift in the treatment of certain heart and vascular procedures. While many procedures require an 'open' surgical approach to heart and vascular disease, less invasive procedures are an option for some patients. Minimally invasive procedures do not require a large surgical incision and result in a faster recovery for patients, less pain and a shorter hospital stay. These procedures require a highly skilled team of surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses and operating room staff."

Now Offering TMVR

SoutheastHEALTH was one of the first in the region to offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive approach to replacement of a narrowed aortic valve. Next on the horizon for Southeast is the transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). Both are unique hybrid procedures involving cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons working side by side. The high technology hybrid operating room provides a state-of-the-art, large sterile space in which to perform these and other procedures.

"The new enhancements to the larger hybrid operating suite really enable us to perform these advanced procedures better and more accurately," says Janice Quade, BSN, RN, CNOR and director of Perioperative Services.

Quade, along with OR Nurse Manager Kate Reeves, BSN, RN, CNOR; Peri-anesthesia Nurse Manager Nancy Voelker, BSN, RN and Rigdon, were part of a team comprising hospital officials, facility managers, physicians and nurses who helped to design the new hybrid suite.

"It's so exciting to be part of the team bringing this new technology to Southeast, and we are incredibly excited to offer this to patients," says Reeves. "The hybrid OR has been planned over the course of two years, and to see it come to completion is amazing. We really encouraged staff input and participation in the design, which includes linked workstations and space specifically designed for the specialized equipment and products we use in the OR."

"This new OR represents the next generation in safety and visualization and allows us to continue to be a leader in the next generation of minimally invasive procedures," adds cardiothoracic surgeon Paul Robison, MD, MMM, CPE, FACS, FACC, FACCP.

"It's incredibly important for SoutheastHEALTH to have this technology to continue to advance treatment options for our region's critically ill heart patients. This hybrid OR suite represents the latest commitment in achieving that goal," adds interventional cardiologist David Law, MD.