Ascension Genesys Hospital, located in Grand Blanc, MI, is a member of Ascension Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States. Recognizing the importance of enhancing imaging capabilities and reducing patient wait times, local leaders identified the need for improvements. To raise the level of care even further, the recommendation was made to add a state-of-the-art bi-plane interventional radiology suite. This advanced medical imaging technology can be used in both diagnostic and interventional procedures. It is designed to provide highly detailed and precise imaging of the patient’s anatomy, allowing medical professionals to visualize and treat various conditions with enhanced accuracy and safety. However, the size and technical needs of the new modality required major renovations inside of a sterile environment. Working closely with all parties, our team of healthcare designers worked with Ascension Genesys to retrofit an old operating room into a cutting-edge imaging suite.

Finding space within an existing floorplan

Finding space within the existing floor plan was a challenge that needed to be overcome. After careful evaluation, it was decided that the new equipment would be placed in an old operating room conveniently located next to the existing catheterization labs. However, expanding the space meant displacing critical storage and services. These services would eventually need to be relocated within the sterile field. Flexibility of the space was also critically important, the design allowed the hospital to maximize the area’s utilization and ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Construction within a sterile field

Construction took place within a functioning operating corridor and sterile environment. To help make this possible, a second entrance was created along an existing back hallway, and the sterile environment was sectioned off. The second entrance allowed crews to access the space without entering the sterile environment, saving both time and money while prioritizing patient safety. Because access to a sterile environment is so rare and difficult, the team took the opportunity to renovate additional spaces including a central nursing desk, supply rooms and the physicians’ lounge. Achieving this required extensive coordination among the design team, equipment vendors, staff, and contractors to ensure seamless access to the sterile site.

Outcomes and a phased approach

The old operating room required significant improvements and renovations to accommodate the new bi-plane interventional radiology suite. For one, the weight of the advanced machine surpassed the capacity of the existing floor, necessitating the installation of mounting plates to ensure a stable structure. Furthermore, steel was added to the ceiling to support the machine’s hanging arm. Major upgrades to the HVAC system needed to be made to meet the strict FGI guidelines and reviews by the State of Michigan, as well as lighting, outlets, and medical gases. Construction lasted approximately eight months and occurred in four phases, carefully planned to ensure the hospital could operate at full capacity throughout the process. The new bi-plane interventional radiology suite, equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, has revolutionized Ascension Genesys Hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat patients. It enables minimally invasive procedures to address blockages or clots in blood vessels. With its capabilities, the room supports the efforts of cardiac, vascular, oncology, and neurology teams in diagnosing and providing treatment while optimizing time efficiency.