Surgical Technician and/or Nursing Assistant: This individual has received special training in sterile technique and in assisting in the
Operating Room. If appropriately trained, this individual may perform the same duties as a scrub person. This individual cannot serve
as the circulator, as only a registered nurse may be assigned that function.
Perfusionist: In cardiovascular surgery, the patient's blood may have to bypass the heart to allow the surgeon to perform the required
surgical procedure. The blood supply bypasses the heart and circulates through a heart-lung machine (which is both a mechanical
pump and artificial lung) after which it is returned to the patient as oxygenated and purified blood. The perfusionist, who oversees this
process, works in the Operating Room, usually at the side of the operating table, but well outside the sterile field area. The heart/lung
machine must be connected to both a water supply and the electrical supply. Two perfusionists may be required for each
cardiovascular operation, in the event that a cell-saver (auto-transfusion) device is used.
EEG Technician: This individual operates the electroencephalograph in the Neurosurgery Operating Room to record the brain waves
of the patient. Usually this monitoring is required only in patients undergoing brain surgery. This individual operates the EEG machine
outside of the sterile field.
Imaging Technician: The imaging technician is in-charge of taking either film or digital images when needed within the Surgical Suite.
X-ray Film: A portable X-ray unit is moved into the Operating Room whenever it is necessary to take an X-ray. The image is taken by
the imaging technician and then developed by him/her in a darkroom installed within the Surgical Suite. If preferred by the radiology
and surgical staff, films can be taken directly to the Radiology Department for processing. The X-ray films may then be interpreted by
a radiologist who communicates the results to the surgeons waiting in the Operating Room over the intercom or telephone. If
necessary, the films can then be returned to the Surgical Suite and placed on film illuminators.
Fluoroscopy: Some Operating Rooms may have radiographic equipment permanently installed within the room. An example of this
is a ceiling mounted fluoroscopic unit used in vascular surgery. More often than not, portable radiology equipment is used. For these
procedures, a portable c-arm unit is brought into the room along with a portable video cart. When imaging equipment is used in the
Operating Room, staff is required to wear lead aprons or work from behind leaded glass shields. Often a single imaging machine will
be used in several different Operating Rooms. The imaging technician (who is assigned to the surgical suite) will move the portable
imaging equipment into each Operating Room when and where it is needed.
Design Guide - Surgical Service
Narrative
Guide Plate:
2e
Page 5 of 14
Date: August 2005
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