New operating theatres open at Epworth Eastern

Five new operating theatres at Epworth Eastern will be able to treat more complex patients, reduce operating time and help make surgery safer.

Located in the new 14-story tower at Epworth Eastern, the theatres are part of a $162-million-dollar redevelopment in Box Hill.

The theatre complex includes a $2-million-dollar hybrid theatre and recovery area, allowing surgeons to perform more complex cardiac, thoracic, vascular and minimally invasive operations.

The hybrid theatre is the first of its kind in Victoria and features the latest Siemens Artis Pheno equipment, providing specialists with more detailed imaging to guide complex procedures.

Without the hybrid theatre, patients undergoing combined cardiac and vascular procedures had to be transferred between two different theatres for different parts of the operation. The hybrid theatre allows patients to be treated in a single anaesthetic session in one theatre, reducing time spent in theatre, improving recovery, and allowing patients to go home sooner.

Kerry May, Executive General Manager Epworth Eastern, said the theatre has been designed to benefit patients and doctors.

“We are excited that Epworth Eastern has Victoria’s first ARTIS pheno system in our hybrid theatre,” Ms May said.

“The technology and new imaging system reduces the need for follow up and provides better outcomes for patients.”

An endovascular aortic aneurysm repair was the first procedure carried out in the new hybrid theatre by Associate Professor Jason Chuen.

“The new hybrid theatre is a game-changer for cardiac and vascular patients in Melbourne’s east,” Associate Professor Chuen said.

“Hybrid operating theatres are now the standard of care for any specialist vascular surgery centre, but this robotic surgical imaging system at Epworth Eastern represents the latest in integrated operating theatre technology."

"Our skilled and experienced surgical teams at Epworth already deliver excellent care and this equipment allows us to confidently visualise and handle the most complex of open and endovascular procedures to save lives and limbs.”

“It gives us extreme flexibility in how we use the operating theatre space.

“In the space of the same operating list, we can treat a complex aortic aneurysm using the latest endovascular technology and fusion imaging, perform leg-saving open bypass surgery, or prevent strokes via open carotid endarterectomy or endovascular carotid stenting techniques."