Magnetic field separation and resultant geometry overlay
The new Center for Surgical Innovation at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center coalesces state-of-the-art imaging and surgery to create the nation’s first surgical facility dedicated to translational research housing both an overhead movable MRI and CT designed for use by both patient and animal subjects in shared operating rooms. The hybrid inter-operative suite expands research and clinical space as a joint venture between the Medical Center and the School of Medicine, combining their expertise to test new approaches to surgical procedures such as complex real-time image-guided surgery. The building houses two programs: the inter-operative research expansion on level 2, including the hybrid operating room and support space designed for patient and animal test subjects as well as an expansion of the level 3 imaging pavilion, housing two additional MRI rooms, new patient reception and waiting space, as well as support space for the entire imaging department.
Coordination
OR and imaging requirements converge in the ceiling plane. Heavy steel girders run above the ceiling to support movable imaging equipment while HVAC snakes around to maintain laminar flow to the patient table. The ceiling mounted movable CT was in R&D during design up to the final installation while the constraints of the ceiling mounted movable MRI compounded the nuanced detail required for effective equipment integration and coordination of the ceiling.
Translational research
The mix of animals and patients within the hybrid inter-operative operating rooms defines a unique challenge not well addressed by healthcare and public health codes. Highly specialized ventilation and spatial interlocks were developed to minimize cross contamination while providing for a maximum level of flexibility to the researchers. OR 2 is planned for an additional modality, a cardiac interventional platform, while navigation and robotics are integrated and coordinated with the imaging requirements. And yet foremost the architecture is focused on making a place that is welcoming and comfortable for patients and a great collaborative working environment for staff.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Center for Surgical Innovation from PAYETTE on Vimeo.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Center for Surgical Innovation: CT from PAYETTE on Vimeo.