Maquet's Magnus ergonomic operating table reaches 1000 sales

15 Oct 2010

More than 1,000 of Maquet's Magnus operating table systems have been placed into operation worldwide.

The OLV Clinic in Aalst, Belgium took the 1,000th operating table in August. The hospital uses five of the tables for minimally invasive surgery in gynaecology, abdominal surgery and robot-aided urology surgery. The system is used to perform some 350 prostatectomies per year at OLV.

Suitable working conditions for the surgical team are a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring that operations are performed ergonomically and safely. This applies to the entire surgical area but in particular to the operating table.

A study published in Deutsche Ärzteblatt in 2006 revealed that 45% of the surgeons interviewed had to use a step during surgery to compensate for the height of the operating table. About 33% of doctors and 56% of surgical nursing staff reported that problems with operating tables and steps have caused hazardous situations to persons in the OR on several occasions.

Dr Geert Vandenbroucke, anesthesiologist and Medical Director at OLV in Aalst, Belgium, is well aware of ergonomic deficits and knows how to avoid them: "Ergonomic aspects already play a significant role in the equipping of operating rooms. For instance, we have equipped ORs in which new and innovative surgical techniques are used with Maquet's Magnus operating table system. Its individual adjustment options ensure relaxed and safe work processes — especially for laparoscopic surgery.

 "The Magnus impresses users thanks to its tilt and turn functionality. It is the only table that offers unlimited patient positioning options, which is something we really need in many areas of minimally invasive surgery. The excellent access to the surgical field and the optimum patient care enabled by the table ensure an excellent work flow."

The Magnus operating table in OLV Clinic, Aalst Belgium

An increasing number of decision-makers in administration and purchasing are starting to become aware of the process optimization that can be achieved with ergonomics, thus increasing profitability.

 Bernhard Kulik, Head of Product Management for Operating Tables at Maquet explains: "The correct use of medical equipment not only relieves the burden on surgeons and the operating team — it also has an effect on efficiency and therefore on profitability. As a high-performance centre, the operating room is particularly prone to complications and risks resulting from non-ergonomic equipment. This can have major monetary implications for a hospital."