Innovating the OR: The next step in Surgical Excellence
Modern operating rooms are high-stakes environments where every minute counts. An
unexpected issue with critical equipment like the operating table can disrupt schedules and even jeopardize patient safety.
Recent analyses put the average cost of operating room downtime at around $46 per minute, with reported ranges between $15 and $130 depending on the hospital and how costs are measured[1]. This figure reflects the high costs associated with staff idle time, lost surgical throughput, and underused equipment. For surgeons and OR nurses, this means delays and frustration; for hospital administrators, it leads to added costs and lost revenue opportunities.
In today’s connected world – where technology cycles are accelerating and artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, especially in MedTech sectors like radiology, diagnostics, and patient monitoring – the surgical suite remains a cornerstone of hospital operations. For many institutions, the operating room contributes to 60–70% of total hospital revenue, as confirmed by independent research, with studies indicating that surgical operations and their associated services can generate up to 70% of a hospital’s income [2], making even minor efficiency gains in surgical workflows highly valuable.
While many hospital departments have already embraced digital transformation and interconnected systems, devices that surround the patient and influence patient flow – like the OR table – are becoming essential touchpoints in the broader ecosystem. Their evolution from passive platforms to connected assets reflects a larger trend in healthcare: harnessing technology to support smarter, safer, and more efficient care.
As hospitals embrace more connected systems, applying this approach to surgical equipment – especially the OR table – just makes sense. With smart connectivity, hospitals can improve serviceability, enable remote support, gain real-time insights, and help keep procedures running smoothly and on time.
A connected OR table doesn't just support surgeries – it supports the entire hospital
David Fritz, Product Manager OR Tables at Getinge
ecosystem by reducing risk, saving time, and empowering staff with better tools and data.
Real-time insight where it matters
Over the years, OR tables have evolved significantly. What began as mechanical or hydraulic platforms has, at Getinge, transformed into digitally enabled systems. Today’s surgical tables incorporate advanced electronics that allow for highly precise movements, greater load capacities, and more adaptable patient positioning. With this growing complexity comes the need for more intelligent oversight.
In this context, Device Lifecycle Management tools – such as Getinge’s FleetView – play a vital role. These platforms collect and centralize data from across a hospital’s installed base to provide real-time insights into equipment performance, usage, and maintenance needs. While full dashboards are typically accessed outside the OR, clinical staff benefit directly from the connectivity at the operating table itself.
A connected OR table like the Maquet Corin gives users immediate access to crucial
information such as battery charge level, system readiness, and technical alerts, right at the point of care. With a quick scan of a QR code on the device, OR teams can view essential documentation and service data instantly. Notably, studies have shown that many nurses regularly carry smartphones during their shifts, using them to quickly access drug references, procedural guides, or clinical support tools[3]. This behavior underscores the growing importance of digital access to essential information at the point of care – especially when every minute counts.
Simplified service and support
As OR tables become more sophisticated – with integrated software, electronics, and precise motion systems – effective service and support becomes more data-driven. A connected OR table gives technicians and biomedical engineers the tools they need to act quickly and accurately.
Through remote access, service experts can review live system data – such as error codes, firmware versions, and recent usage logs – before arriving on site. This enables them to bring the right parts, avoid unnecessary repeat visits, and sometimes even resolve issues remotely.
This type of remote collaboration between technical experts and clinical users helps ensure that minor issues can be addressed before they escalate. For example, if a software reset is needed or an operational anomaly is reported, support can verify the behavior and guide OR staff in real time.
With real-time access to system data, we can respond faster and smarter. It’s not just about fixing issues – it’s about anticipating needs and supporting staff before small issues become big ones.
David Fritz, Product Manager OR Tables at Getinge
Supporting long-term efficiency
The long-term value of a connected OR table lies in its ability to enhance workflow reliability and total cost of ownership (TCO). Equipment that is easier to monitor and maintain tends to experience fewer unexpected failures and can often remain in operation longer.
A connected OR table becomes more than just a surgical surface – it becomes a key asset in a hospital’s broader strategy for operational excellence, safety, and sustainability.