In the summer of 2024, the Salisbury VA surgery service introduced a cutting-edge hybrid interventional operating room (OR) suite, designed to elevate the quality of care for Veterans. This new facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling medical professionals to provide a full spectrum of surgical care within the VA system.

Situated on the fifth floor of Building 2 at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the 1,051-square-foot hybrid OR brings advanced surgical capabilities to the facility. While the OR supports an array of new technical features, its primary advantage lies in expanding treatment options for Veterans requiring specialized vascular care.

Enhanced Access to Specialty Care

The addition of the hybrid OR eliminates the need for Veterans to seek treatment outside the VA system, significantly improving their access to high-quality vascular procedures.

“Previously, many Veterans had to travel long distances for specialized vascular care,” said Dr. Robert Allen, chief of vascular surgery at the Salisbury VA. “Now, they can receive top-tier treatment right here, reducing the burden of long travel times and increasing their access to critical care services.”

The hybrid OR primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating vascular conditions such as arterial blockages and aneurysms. It enables comprehensive management of vascular diseases affecting areas like the brain, neck, abdomen, and lower extremities.

Advanced Technology for Complex Procedures

The hybrid OR’s design allows providers to perform a range of procedures, including angiography and peripheral vascular interventions, within a single operating space.

This advanced suite integrates both interventional radiology techniques and traditional open vascular surgeries. It enables precise interventions on blood vessels in various parts of the body, such as the legs, abdomen, and neck, ensuring comprehensive vascular care.

Among its many technological advancements, the OR is equipped with a high-tech fixed angiography (angio) unit from Siemens. This unit features a flat-screen display, providing real-time imaging to assist medical teams during procedures.

Unlike traditional mobile imaging units, the angio system is a robotic, fixed-installation setup capable of executing intricate maneuvers. This system offers higher-resolution imaging and more precise diagnostic capabilities compared to standard mobile C-Arm units.

“Having a fixed angio unit in the OR allows us to capture clearer images and deliver superior care,” Dr. Allen explained. “This system enhances angiography definition, incorporates computerized techniques, and enables us to perform complex procedures with greater precision.”

Another crucial component of the hybrid OR is its fluoroscopic imaging capability, which utilizes contrast dyes to create detailed images of a patient’s blood vessels. By injecting dye into the circulatory system, specialists can better identify vascular abnormalities such as blockages and disease sites, allowing for less invasive treatment options.

Nursing Training and Staff Development

Beyond its technological advancements, the hybrid OR also provides new training opportunities for medical staff, including nurses. Several nursing units have undergone extensive training to ensure they can deliver the highest level of patient care before, during, and after vascular procedures.

“We have an exceptional team of nursing and anesthesia staff who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills,” said Dr. Kenneth A. Lipshy, chief of surgery at the Salisbury VA. “Their commitment to learning ensures that we can integrate new technologies safely and effectively into our patient care practices.”

Dr. Lipshy highlighted the hospital’s ongoing nursing education program, which emphasizes collaboration and continuous improvement. Nurses are encouraged to voice their concerns and work alongside medical professionals to refine procedures and enhance patient outcomes.

“This initiative has been a remarkable team effort,” said Paul Marcoccia, chief nurse of perioperative services at Salisbury VA. “Dr. Allen has played a key role in educating both staff and patients, ensuring that we maximize the benefits of this advanced surgical suite.”

Successful Implementation and Positive Patient Outcomes

Since its launch, the hybrid OR has already been used in over 50 cases, with Veterans expressing appreciation for the pain relief and improved outcomes it has provided.

The project, nearly a decade in the making, was developed in collaboration with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist specialists, including Dr. Matthew Edwards, vascular chair, and Dr. Randolph Geary, a vascular and endovascular surgeon. Both doctors also see patients at the Salisbury VA and Kernersville Health Care Center, further strengthening the VA’s commitment to academic and clinical partnerships.

Additionally, key contributors such as Dr. Robin Hurley, associate chief of staff for research and academic affairs, and Dr. Elizabeth Bell, an anesthesiologist, played crucial roles in ensuring the successful launch of the hybrid OR.

Through this innovative facility, the Salisbury VA continues to expand its commitment to providing high-quality, specialized care for Veterans, offering advanced medical treatments within a fully integrated healthcare system.

For further details, contact the Office of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs.