Norwalk Hospital Opens New Hybrid Operating Room

A hybrid operating room (OR) is a surgeon’s dream. That dream became a reality this month when Norwalk Hospital opened a new, 1,000 square foot hybrid OR bringing state-of-the-art surgical technology combined with the most cutting-edge imaging capabilities located all in one place. Norwalk Hospital’s hybrid OR is designed to facilitate the most advanced vascular and endovascular procedures including minimally invasive procedures requiring enhanced imaging capabilities.

“Norwalk Hospital’s hybrid OR provides our board-certified vascular surgeons and their teams the ability to perform a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures, as well as highly complex interventional procedures, all in the same high-tech OR,” said Kathleen LaVorgna, MD, Chair of Surgery at Norwalk Hospital.

 Advantages of a Hybrid OR

Norwalk Hospital’s hybrid OR is equipped with three dimensional imaging software that reconstructs high-resolution images, allowing vascular surgeons to perform intricate procedures with extreme precision in less time, using less radiation and less contrast material—all significant patient benefits.

“Venous disease is a more common affliction for Americans than is arterial disease,” said Paul Gagne, MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Norwalk Hospital. “Minimally invasive vascular surgery in a hybrid OR allows vascular surgeons to perform state-of-the-art procedures using the most advanced imaging technologies, resulting in improved patient satisfaction and improved outcomes.”

Norwalk Hospital’s hybrid OR will be used for a variety of minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Complex venous procedures for treating acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
• Diagnostic and therapeutic percutaneous vascular procedures
• Abdominal aneurysm stent grafts
• Combined open and endovascular procedures
• Endovascular repairs of the aorta or the carotid artery

Norwalk Hospital’s vascular surgeons are the most experienced vein surgeons in the Tri-State area and New England. Since 2007, interventions they have helped to develop and popularize have safely changed the lives of hundreds of patients each year suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. These interventions are minimally invasive and not widely available in other areas of Connecticut or New England.

Additionally, clinical trials are available for:

•          Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (leg)
•          Chronic leg Vein blockage
•          Chronic leg Venous insufficiency

1.    Leg Ulcers
2.    Leg Swelling
3.    Leg Discoloration
4.    Leg Heaviness

Norwalk Hospital’s vascular surgeons also provide a full continuum of vascular care for arterial disease, including aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). They pioneered the use of drug eluting stent technology for PAD in Connecticut. Working with the most challenging patient populations who suffer with vascular disease, they have consistently achieved high quality patient outcomes with minimal complications and shorter lengths of stay in the hospital.

For more information about Norwalk Hospital’s hybrid OR, visit NorwalkHospital.org/surgical services/vascular surgery.

About Norwalk Hospital
Norwalk Hospital is a partner hospital of the Western Connecticut Health Network, Connecticut's premier, patient-centered health care organization. Norwalk Hospital was established in 1893 by our devoted community and built for the people we continue to serve in Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. The 325-bed hospital is a place where patients always come first, where our talented staff takes pride in keeping people well and providing compassionate, contemporary care when our patients need our help most. We take heart that no matter how great the challenge, here every medical history can become a brighter medical future.

Joining Norwalk Hospital in the WCHN organization are Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and a continuum of outpatient health and wellness services offered by numerous medical practices and sub-specialties across the region through the Western Connecticut Medical Group and the Western Connecticut Home Care.  Committed to learning and innovation, our hospitals collaborate with the University of Vermont Medical College and many other well-known academic institutions to promote the most progressive care possible. The nationally renowned WCHN Research Institute, the Norwalk Hospital Foundation and other affiliates complete the WCHN family where “We Know You Well!”  For more information, visit WCHN.org. Share your comments with us at Facebook.com/DanburyHospital; Facebook.com/NewMilfordHospital and/or Facebook.com/NorwalkHospital.