Torrance Memorial Medical Center recently unveiled it state-of-the-art surgical suite, promoted as the most advanced endovascular suite in the country. The new operating room will accomodate more than 1,300 endovascular cases per year, freeing up the hospital's other operating rooms. The Surgical suite will handle treatment for aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease, orthopedic procefures and diabetes-related complications such as kidney graphs. In addition to minimally invasive endovascular cases, surgeons also may perform traditional "open" surgery in the suite if needed.

Medical Marvels
The rooms's advanced technology includes the latest in imaging; a sliding surgical pedestal table; ceiling-mounted booms for lighting, gases and radiology services; a permanent anesthesiology station; and teleconverencing capabilities. The room features a dedicated fluoroscopem, and viewing screens and cameras for every possible angle. The dedicated nurses' station and radiology technologists' booth allow nurses and technologists to provide hightly detailed information and assist surgeons in making adustments.

Hospital officials and physicians combed the country looking for ideas for the new operating room. By putting

together the latest and most ergonomic equipment, they were able to create one of the most advanced endovascular surgery suites on the West Coast.

Forging New Frontiers

"This room was born from a year's worth of research of other very sophisticated surgical suites around the country, twice-weekly meetings with staff and surgeons, and collaborative relationships with the architect and technology manufacturers, " says Mary Young, Torrance Memorial's director of Surgical Services.

"In terms of creating an adanced and functional operating room, we brought our dreams to the table, and the Endovascular Surgical Suite is the result," says John McNamara, M.D Torrance Memorial chief of staff.