Tips from the pros in evaluating booms

Consider maneuverability, configurability, ergonomics, and overall ease of use of the system. We might define maneuverability as the ability for even the smallest nurses and doctors to easily move the booms to any location within its range of motion. This becomes a function of the weights and moments in the design of the booms, the number and range of motion of the articulating arms, and the type of brake system.

The equipment booms can be configured to the customer’s specific needs. As no O.R. is the same as any other, it is imperative that various arm lengths, gas options, and different shelving sizes be made available to the customer. With Stryker’s booms, the customer chooses the type and location of every gas outlet, data outlet, shelf, braking system and video type.

Customers have a wide range of requirements, so it is important that boom companies know the benefits and drawbacks to certain room configurations, and make sure that designs match each customer’s needs. Arbitrarily putting electric outlets too close together may render an outlet useless, and a gas might never be used if put on the wrong side of the boom. Vendors should strive to configure each boom to fit the needs of the OR it is servicing.

Ergonomics must be considered to improve O.R. staff efficiency, cut down on injuries and improve patient care. Equipment booms allow flat panels and other video displays to be positioned in line with the surgeon’s hands and eyes. This cuts down on mental fatigue and lowers the risk of staff injury due to joint strains caused by standing out of balance or in distortion for long periods of time.

As new technologies are added to the O.R., it is becoming more difficult to place all critical machines and technology within the sterile area and maintain flexibility and mobility. Booms allow for more equipment to be positioned strategically for specific sections of a procedure, but just as easily removed when not in use.

Plan for future video and integration capability by including empty conduits and pull cord plates.

Consider the system’s length and coverage rather than weight capacity, which is less of an issue these days.

Make sure that the boom’s brake design includes redundancy (for example, both pneumatic and friction braking) for patient and staff safety.

Allow for flexibility of services and layout; consider customized placements rather than standardized columns.

Plan for internal routing capabilities for multiple services, utilities, data capability, and low voltage connections such as telephone, data and flat-panel monitors.

Choose a system with a broad array of add-on accessories that can help you create an ideal workstation in each room.

Actually, the key technological factor to selecting a boom is how easily and economically it can be adapted to the ever-advancing technology that works with the boom. A boom is a long term investment, with a lifespan of about 15 years, so the long term cost of ownership and ability to adapt to changing technology are important factors to consider. The technology that sits on the boom or is integrated into the boom is typically electronic and that technology changes by the minute, it seems. Evaluation of a boom should include asking a supplier the question, "What will the next 15 years bring to the O.R., in terms of the equipment size, shape, weight and quantity that will work with the boom and how will your boom adapt to those changes." Look for a modular design that has considered ease of upgrade and modifications as well as the ability to add additional arms for potential future needs such as a flat panel arm or a surgical navigation camera.

Seek a vendor with an O.R. upgrade path, which is a process to manage the installation from the beginning in a way that identifies challenges unique to the facility and minimizes pitfalls later.

Ask yourself the four Ws: What types of procedures will the room be used for? Who will use it? Will it be connected to the outside world for telemedicine or teaching? What is the long-term strategy for the O.R.s in the hospital?