Ribbon cut on new hybrid operating room

The ribbon was cut on Augusta University Medical Center’s new hybrid operating room on Friday, and operations will begin this week.

The surgical theatre is equipped with advanced medical imaging devices like a Phillip’s high-intensity C-Arm which enables minimally-invasive surgery that is less traumatic for the patient. These imaging techniques visualize smaller parts of the body, which means surgeons can insert catheters or other devices through small incisions.

“I think this part of our facility is also very important to our healthcare providers, our nurses, our technicians, our doctors to know that we can provide safer care, higher quality care, but also to pass on that comfort and assurance to our patients,” said Dr. Steffen Meiler, department chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. “We’re poised to do great things. This is a symbol we have the right momentum.”

Meiler was joined by Allen Kelly, associate vice president of Perioperative Services, Dr. Charlie Howell, chairman of the Department of Surgery, Lee Ann Liska, CEO and executive vice president for Health Affairs, and other Medical Center leaders in cutting the ribbon on the hybrid OR.

“It’s amazing how much technology has changed in the past few years. We have the best and the newest in town,” said Liska.

“To me this is a great boon for us. Training our students, residents, our next generation of physicians across the state of Georgia will be much easier and much more up-to-date in a room like this,” said Howell.