Skytron Blog

Designing an operating room (OR) involves more than just maximizing space and selecting capital equipment; it’s about anticipating future needs, ensuring efficiency, and creating a safe, adaptable environment for both patients and providers. Among the most overlooked yet mission-critical elements in OR design is the surgical boom.

Often treated as an afterthought, surgical booms should be central to the early planning phase of any new or renovated operating room (OR). Why? Because they function as the physical and technological backbone of your OR, housing vital utilities, managing cords and equipment, and supporting the clinical team’s every move.

What Is a Surgical Boom?

A surgical boom is a ceiling-mounted equipment management system designed to organize and deliver critical services, such as medical gases, electrical power, video/data connections, and mounted devices, directly to the surgical team. By elevating cables and devices off the floor, booms reduce clutter, improve safety, and enhance workflow efficiency. Many systems, like Skytron’s Freedom Boom, feature flexible arms, shoulder-to-shoulder coverage, and modular layouts that adapt to the unique demands of different operating rooms (ORs).
 

1. Booms Aren’t Just Accessories- They’re Infrastructure

Surgical booms are integral to the OR’s infrastructure, not merely accessories. They require dedicated structural support, which must be considered during early design to ensure appropriate ceiling anchoring, clearance, and range of motion. Delaying this planning can lead to expensive rework or limited functionality.

“Engaging equipment planners and structural engineers early allows organizations to avoid retrofitting headaches and keep project timelines on track.” — Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

Photo: Ceiling Install with Boom Mount

2. Early Boom Planning Improves Workflow and Safety

Integrating surgical booms into the OR design from the outset can significantly enhance workflow and safety. By elevating cords, monitors, and tools off the floor, booms reduce trip hazards, improve ergonomics, and create a more navigable OR. This organization not only improves efficiency but also minimizes infection risks by facilitating better hygiene practices.

Skytron’s booms offer shoulder-to-shoulder coverage, enabling teams to position devices exactly where they need them, without having to work around fixed columns or rolling carts. This mobility enables the room to be more responsive to the needs of each case type.

“Ceiling-mounted systems have been instrumental in improving OR organization, allowing teams to customize configurations and reduce equipment conflicts.” — Health Facilities Management Magazine

3. Planning Future-Proofs the OR

As technology continues to evolve and advance, new imaging systems, robotic platforms, and digital integrations are becoming staples in high-acuity operating rooms.

Booms must be able to grow with these changes. By planning with modular, upgradeable systems (like those offered by Skytron) facilities can avoid full replacements down the line. Instead, they can reconfigure arms, outlets, and equipment mounts as technology changes or service lines expand.

“Modern ORs must be designed to adapt to change. Planning flexibility into infrastructure such as booms is key to long-term success.” — Healthcare Design Magazine

4. Architects Benefit from Partnering with Equipment Manufacturers

Boom integration isn’t just about product placement; it’s about collaborative design. When architects and planners engage boom manufacturers early, they gain access to insights on space clearances, utility access, equipment weights, and future-use planning.

Skytron’s team regularly collaborates with architects to help customize booms and design ORs that support both surgical needs and evolving standards. These partnerships lead to smoother installations, reduced rework, and ORs that operate as efficiently as they were designed to.

“Early planning and consultation with vendors ensure the space functions as intended—not just on day one, but for years to come.” — Page Architecture Firm

Design Smart. Plan Early. Partner Wisely.

As you approach your next OR project, think beyond walls and lighting. Surgical booms are essential infrastructure that affects safety, efficiency, and future growth. When planned early, with flexibility and clinical input, they can elevate the OR from functional to exceptional.

Skytron offers committed support to Architects, Planners, and Design teams. From project management to state-of-the-art rendering tools, we streamline the planning process and provide timely, knowledgeable expertise. This expertise builds safer, more efficient, and “future-proof” environments, lowering the lifetime costs of your room.

Turn any idea into reality with advanced planning tools such as:

• OR Concept Guide
• Project and Planning Guide
• Online Portal for Architects and Planners
• PowerTrak 3D Room Builder
• Clinical Immersion

Sources:
1. AORN – “Equipment Planning: How to Do it Right the First Time”
2. Healthcare Design Magazine – “OR Designs That Are Ready For The Cutting Edge”
3. Page Architecture – “Designing the Modern Operating Room”
4. Health Facilities Management Magazine – “Back in Action”