UT Southwestern's new operating suite integrates surgical and endovascular techniques in one space

UT Southwestern Medical Center has established a Hybrid Cerebrovascular Operating Suite at Zale Lipshy University Hospital that will combine surgical innovations with advanced imaging capabilities for surgical cases related to stroke and brain aneurysms.

The new facility integrates high-resolution imaging equipment intended for endovascular neurosurgical procedures into a modern operating theater. While surgical patients in many facilities have to be taken from room to room to realize the benefits of endovascular technology, UT Southwestern neurosurgeons now have the opportunity to integrate surgical and endovascular techniques in one space.

"We now have a rare opportunity to easily execute endovascular and surgical procedures on the most complex of neurosurgical cases. It just makes us safer and better," said Dr. Hunt Batjer, Chairman of Neurological Surgery, Co-Director of the Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair at UT Southwestern, and holder of the Lois C. A. and Darwin E. Smith Distinguished Chair in Neurological Surgery.

Common diagnoses that will be managed in this new space include brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and fistulas (AVFs) or carotid artery disease.

The innovative new suite was designed under the direction of Dr. Babu Welch, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Radiology, in collaboration with the Toshiba Corporation (Tokyo, Japan).

"The hybrid suite continues a tradition of innovation in neurosurgery at UT Southwestern," said Dr. Welch, who has been at the forefront in the use of endovascular surgery in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. "Toshiba chose UT Southwestern for their first hybrid suite because of the central location and international reputation for advanced cerebrovascular care."

The $3 million transformation of the operating room is part of continuing efforts at Zale Lipshy University Hospital to maintain its standing as one of the finest cerebrovascular centers in the world. The hospital is transitioning to become the first dedicated, freestanding neuroscience facility in North Texas. UT Southwestern is the only facility in North Texas that has been certified as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.