From a radial operating theatre to a self-contained operating table

Equipment congestion and a disarray of wires, tubes and lines (the spaghetti syndrome) is a common scenario in operating theatres. The radial arrangement of input and output signals and their interconnecting lines has been identified as the main source of clutter and congestion in this environment. Our aim was to present a comprehensive design concept for reducing electrical and physical clutter in the operating theatre. Data were collected from different operating theatres, including identification and sorting of equipment, cables, tubes and lines according to the direction and the features of the transmitted information and materials. We suggest a concept of a self-contained, 'built-in' operating table as a design solution for avoiding the clutter and congestion caused by the radial configuration. The operating table will function as a central integrated unit for management of the entire process of patient flow and control of supply systems and environmental conditions.