Hybrid Rooms in Hemodynamics: Innovation, Statistics, and Impact on Healthcare

Hybrid rooms represent a revolutionary technological innovation in the field of medicine, combining advanced diagnostic and therapeutic imaging capabilities with a traditional surgical environment. This integration allows for minimally invasive procedures and open surgeries to be performed in a single location, offering numerous benefits for patients and healthcare institutions.

Most Utilized Equipment in Hybrid Rooms in Brazil

Hybrid rooms in Brazil are equipped with various advanced technologies that enable a wide range of medical procedures. The most utilized equipment includes:

1. Digital Angiograph: Essential for hemodynamic procedures, this equipment allows real-time visualization of blood vessels and the heart.
2. Computed Tomography (CT): Used to obtain detailed images of the body, facilitating precise diagnoses and surgical guides.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, brain, and spine, crucial for surgical planning and precise interventions.
4. Fluoroscopy: Offers real-time images during interventional procedures, allowing immediate adjustments during surgery.
5. Intraoperative Ultrasound: Used to guide minimally invasive procedures, especially in oncology and cardiology.
6. Motorized Surgical Tables: Flexible and adjustable for different types of procedures, facilitating the work of the medical team.
7. Surgical Navigation Systems: Used for neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures, allowing for greater precision.
8. Hemodynamic Monitoring Equipment: Crucial for monitoring cardiovascular function during complex procedures.

Distribution of Hybrid Rooms and Hemodynamics in Brazil

S?o Paulo

• State with the Most Hybrid Rooms: S?o Paulo has the highest number of hybrid rooms and hemodynamic services in Brazil, due to its advanced infrastructure and the high number of large hospitals.
• Main Institutions: Include hospitals such as Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de S?o Paulo (HCFMUSP), and Hospital Sírio-Libanês.

Rio de Janeiro

• Second Largest State: Rio de Janeiro also has a significant number of hybrid rooms and hemodynamic services, with institutions like the Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia (INC) and Hospital Pró-Cardíaco standing out.

Minas Gerais

• Important Health Hub: Minas Gerais, especially the capital Belo Horizonte, also has several hybrid rooms in renowned hospitals such as Hospital Mater Dei and Hospital Felício Rocho.

Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul

• Growing Regions: The states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul have shown growth in the installation of hybrid rooms, with notable institutions like Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Hospital Universitário Cajuru.

Impact of Hybrid Rooms on Hospitals

Improvement in Quality of Care

The installation of a hybrid room in a hospital elevates the quality of care offered to patients. The ability to perform precise diagnostics and immediate interventions in a single environment significantly improves clinical outcomes and patient experience.

Increased Treatment Capacity

Hybrid rooms allow hospitals to offer a wider range of services and treat complex conditions that previously might have required transfers to other institutions. This increases the hospital's treatment capacity and attracts more patients.

Operational Efficiency

The integration of diagnosis and treatment in one place reduces the need for transfers and preparations, increasing the operational efficiency of hospitals. Multidisciplinary teams can work more cohesively and effectively, optimizing resource use and reducing the total procedure time.

Economic Benefits

Although the initial cost is high, the ability to perform high-complexity procedures with greater efficiency and safety can lead to substantial savings in the long term. The reduction in complication rates and shorter patient hospitalization times contribute to the economic viability of the hybrid room.

Return on Investment

The return on investment time for a hybrid room varies depending on several factors, including the volume of procedures performed, operational efficiency, and the fees charged for services rendered. On average, hospitals can expect to recoup their investment in a hybrid room in about 5 to 7 years. This period can be reduced with increased treatment capacity and maximized hybrid room utilization.

Comparison with Other High-Cost Sectors

When compared to other high-cost sectors within hospitals, such as intensive care units (ICUs), oncology treatment centers, or robotic surgery departments, hybrid rooms present a comparable initial investment. However, the return on investment can be faster due to the high demand for minimally invasive procedures and the ability to perform multiple types of interventions in a single environment.

Intensive Care Units (ICUs)

ICUs are crucial for the care of critically ill patients, but they generally do not generate additional revenue beyond prolonged care. ICUs require continuous investments in equipment and specialized personnel, resulting in high operational costs.

Oncology Treatment Centers

These centers require advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy machines. The initial cost may be similar to hybrid rooms, but the return on investment can be slower due to the prolonged treatment of patients.

Robotic Surgery Departments

Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common, but the costs of surgical robots are extremely high. The return on investment depends on the volume of surgeries performed and acceptance by patients and surgeons. Hybrid rooms, on the other hand, offer a wider range of procedures, increasing their utilization and return.

Conclusion

Hybrid rooms represent a significant advancement in medicine, providing an integrated environment that improves the precision, efficiency, and safety of procedures. The combination of the expertise of a radiology technologist with the advanced technology of hybrid rooms results in better outcomes for patients and optimizes the functioning of healthcare institutions. With the continued growth of hemodynamics and the introduction of new technologies, the future promises even more innovations and improvements in cardiovascular care and other medical areas. The implementation of AI in hemodynamics is one of the next big steps, offering more precise diagnoses, improved planning, and real-time monitoring, further revolutionizing the field and providing superior care for patients.

Fabio Alberto Pivatto da Silva