Theatre equipment
with advanced technologies, and prioritise patient safety by preventing pressure injuries and maintaining stability. Their adaptability ensures they meet the evolving needs of surgical teams while streamlining workflows in high-pressure environments.
Emerging trends and innovations in operating tables The evolution of operating tables is often driven by the need to integrate with cutting- edge technologies, enhance patient safety, and improve operational efficiency. Below, we explore the key trends shaping the future of operating tables, reflecting advancements that are transforming surgical care.
Hybrid operating room integration Hybrid operating rooms, which combine surgical and advanced imaging capabilities, are increasingly common in specialties like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopaedic trauma. Operating tables in these environments are often designed to function as part of an integrated imaging suite. Featuring radiolucent carbon-fibre tabletops, these tables allow unobstructed X-ray, fluoroscopy, or CT imaging without repositioning the patient. Some tables are dockable, enabling seamless
transfer into imaging scanners, while others communicate with imaging systems to adjust guidance overlays in real time as the table’s position changes. This integration can eliminate the need to move patients between surfaces, reducing procedural interruptions and enabling complex interventions, such as combining minimally invasive endovascular repairs with open surgery, in a single setting. For hospital
specifiers and architects, designing operating rooms to accommodate these advanced tables is beneficial to maximising their utility and ensuring compatibility with imaging equipment.
Robotic surgery compatibility The rise of robot-assisted surgery, exemplified by systems like the da Vinci platform, has spurred innovations in operating tables that enhance compatibility with robotic systems. Some tables offer synchronised movement, allowing repositioning during surgery without
undocking robotic arms. For instance, integrated table motion technology enables the table to communicate with the robot’s software, adjusting arm positions as the table tilts or raises to maintain surgical precision. This capability may be particularly valuable
in urology, gynaecology, and general surgery, where dynamic repositioning can improve exposure mid-procedure. Many tables are also designed with mounting points and profiles to accommodate the robot’s footprint, ensuring stability despite the forces exerted by robotic arms. These advancements can streamline robotic workflows, reduce setup times, and enhance surgical outcomes, making them a key consideration for facilities investing in robotic surgery programmes.
Advanced materials and imaging optimisation The shift towards radiolucent materials, particularly carbon fibre, is a modern trend in operating table design. These materials minimise X-ray attenuation, ensuring clear imaging across specialties, from orthopaedics to urology. Single-column table designs, replacing older four-post models, provide nearly 360-degree access for C-arm imaging and surgical teams, while also simplifying cleaning and reducing obstructions in the operating room. Some manufacturers are prioritising designs that maximise imaging compatibility, with features like offset support columns,
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I October 2025
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