Operating room tables are an important device inside the Operating Room (O.R.). They are responsible for positioning the patient and keeping them securely in place while the surgical team operates on them. According to manufacturer recommendations, some surgical tables can support a patient weighing up to 1000 lbs. or 454 kg while countless procedures are performed.
ERD’s Biomed Solution For Surgery Centers
Most operating rooms contain a variety of medical devices, each requiring preventative maintenance, and the O.R table is no exception. Recently an ERD technician was called to a surgery center where the staff was complaining that an O.R. table wasn’t properly locked. The surgical team was concerned that the table was not locking in place and that a patient on the table wouldn’t be properly secured during surgery. Upon investigating the table, the technician discovered brass shavings near the table’s feet/brakes. It was then discovered that all of the brakes had extreme wear on the brass linkage, causing the table to not fully lock. Some wearing is normal but for the brass to be worn to this point compromises the table’s functionality and ability to lock and stay in place properly. This sort of wear on the brass could have easily been discovered and addressed prior to the table failing and being removed from service if preventative routine maintenance had been performed.
Why Is Operating Room Table Preventative Maintenance Important?
Surgical tables, like any other medical device, do best with regularly scheduled maintenance where technicians can inspect and address issues before they become larger problems, which may lead to downtime or even patient safety incidents. Surgical tables have numerous moving parts and often include computerized systems as well. Performing preventative maintenance ensures the surgical table is properly adjusted, lubricated, and calibrated.
O.R. Tables are used for a multitude of procedures including cardiothoracic, orthopedic, bariatric, robotic, urologic, and more and are either stationary or mobile, meaning they can be moved from room to room. Some O.R. Tables are used for a wide variety of procedures and others are designed for orthopedic procedures. The three categories of O.R. tables are general surgical tables, orthopedic tables, and radiolucent imaging tables.
General surgical tables are for procedures such as cardiovascular, pediatric, gynecology, gall bladder, and plastic surgery. These tables are designed with no specific specialty in mind but instead designed to be versatile, adaptable, and able to be adjusted for height and length. Most general surgical tables have removable components such as a headrest to be used only if needed.
Orthopedic tables are designed to be able to manipulate and maneuver however required during orthopedic surgeries. Orthopedic surgery requires precise control and surgeons to have the flexibility necessary in order to achieve the desired results during these types of surgeries.
Radiolucent imaging tables are designed for minimally invasive surgery that requires fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy shows a continuous x-ray beam image on a monitor in order to see internal organs or tissues moving. Surgeries requiring this type of radiolucent imaging table are generally endovascular, vascular, or pain management.
Preventative Maintenance Schedules For Surgical Tables
Each surgical table has its own specific requirements for both user maintenance, and scheduled preventative maintenance. If you aren’t sure about what maintenance is required from the owner/operator of your table, or what maintenance is required by a qualified service technician, please contact ERD and we will be happy to discuss what is needed.
Procedures To Take For Surgical Table Care
Always check with the manufacturer’s manual as well as the facilities protocols as they often differ in active maintenance schedules. If you have any questions or concerns about your O.R. Tables, give ERD a call and we will send one of our certified biomedical service technicians to ensure your facility and all your medical devices are working correctly.
If you have any questions or concerns about your O.R. Tables, please give ERD a call and we will send one of our certified biomedical service technicians to ensure your facility and all your medical devices are working correctly.
