As hospitals have endeavored to transition from film-based radiology to electronic, or filmless radiology one limitation was an effective means for accessing the electronic image archive during surgical procedures. Traditionally, that process included referring to radiographs in film format during surgical procedures.In developing our solution, we evaluated several different hardware possibilities before arriving at a final solution, which was tailored to the specific needs of the various surgical specialties using the surgical suites. We specifically worked to address the divergent needs of our surgical specialists from orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular surgery, and gynecology.Our end solution utilized the same web-based software for all devices, but varied the hardware to meet the needs. We placed a dual Pentium PC with 15” flat LCD display on each of the anesthesia machines. We then placed dual Pentium PC’s with 17” flat LCD displays on a mobile cart in the surgical suites with low radiologic usage. For those surgical suites with high dependency on radiologic images and radiologic support, we configured and wall-mounted a dual Pentium PC with a 40” flat LCD display. For maximum capability we configured this device with a wireless keyboard and mouse allowing either the surgeon or the circulating nurse to use it anywhere in the room.Our success in this project was not only contained to cost savings in radiology, which we realized in reducing film library personnel and by eliminating films printed specifically for the surgical environment, but also for the hospital in improving efficiency of the OR support staff and in reducing stress for the surgeons.
To describe potential hardware solutions for implementing PACS image display in the surgical suite including description of traditional processes and methodologies evaluated in the development of a working solution.
Stockburger, W,
Image Display in the Operating Room: Eliminating Barriers in the Transition to Electronic Display. Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL.
http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4405775.html
Accessed October 23, 2025
