Healthcare Procedure Suites

Surgical procedures are successful, in part, due to the ability to prevent infections. Healthcare professionals achieve this by using good technique, modern pharmaceuticals, and sterile environments. A widely accepted way to keep a surgical site free of contaminants during a procedures is the use of a laminar air flow system. The laminar air flow system bathes the patient in a curtain of air to prevent germs and viruses from getting to the surgical site.

Operating room laminar air flow systems have been traditionally stick built. The stick built laminar air flow versions often congest the above ceiling plenum with the necessary isolation duct work and controls. Along with medical gas lines, structural supports, lights and electrical/data lines, the installation of a surgical suite is a challenge. Plus, if a reconfiguration of the ceiling is required, the demolition and rebuild takes a valuable healthcare asset out of operation for weeks.

To address this problem, medical equipment companies have developed systems utilizing integrated structural boom/light supports and room lighting to simultaneously route medical gas/electrical/data lines and laminar airflow systems through the plenum. This method simplifies installation, speeds up the construction process, and allows for post-construction reconfiguration that will last for days, not weeks.

Manufacturers are producing products that eliminate the need for on-site welding and minimize labor costs for HVAC, medical gases and other utilities. Structural components are integrated with air delivery and room lighting. In addition, the laminar air flow systems are compatible with varying makes of lights and booms needed for the procedure room and service.

Prefabricated laminar air flow manufactures are more economical than a traditional stick built system. These prefab units are installed about 20% faster than a stick built product resulting in significant labor savings.