Never Mess With Electro Hydraulic Operating Tables And Here’s The Reasons Why

Introduction

Electro hydraulic operating tables, sometimes referred to as OT tables, are essential pieces of medical equipment found in hospital operating rooms and clinics worldwide. As the name suggests, these tables consist of an electro hydraulic system that allows the height, orientation, and section of the table to be adjusted to suit surgical requirements.

Messing with or mishandling OT tables can have severe consequences which is why it’s vital to understand how they work and how to operate them properly. In this blog post, we’ll look at 5 key reasons you should never mess with electro hydraulic operating tables without knowing exactly what you’re doing.

Key Components of Electro Hydraulic OT Tables

Electro hydraulic OT tables have a number of important components that allow the table to move and function properly:

• Hydraulic pump – Drives hydraulic fluid through the system to power movements
• Electric motor – Powers the hydraulic pump
• Pistons – Extend and retract to raise, lower and tilt the table
• Hydraulic cylinders – House pistons and hydraulic fluid
• Reservoir – Holds extra hydraulic fluid

Here is a simple diagram showing how these components work together in a basic electro hydraulic system:

Why You Should Never Mess Around With OT Tables

There are several very important reasons why you should never tamper with or mishandle electro hydraulic operating tables without proper training and authorization:

Risk of Patient Injury

The most serious risk is patient injury. OT tables have sections designed to tilt, flex, and move patients into optimal surgical positions. If tampered with, these movements could suddenly shift and cause serious harm to the patient. Nurses and doctors are specifically trained on proper operation of OT tables to prevent injury.

Equipment Damage

Electro hydraulic systems are complex with high pressure fluids and finely calibrated mechanical components. Improper operation or interference could easily damage equipment that costs tens of thousands of dollars. For example, allowing air into the hydraulic system or overextending cylinders could ruin the table.

Surgery Delays and Cancellations

If an OT table fails before or during surgery it could mean massive delays, cancellations, and lost revenue. Surgeries rely on OT tables so hospitals simply can’t afford tampering or “pranks” that put equipment at risk and effect patient care.

Legal and Administrative Issues

There are hospital administrative and legal consequences for non-approved personnel messing with expensive, sensitive equipment. Tampering with an OT table may result in disciplinary action including termination and lawsuits in the event of patient harm.

Realignment and Releveling Difficulties

Properly realigning and releveling an OT table after it has been moved or adjusted incorrectly requires special technical expertise. Without the proper knowledge, attempting to correct issues yourself often compounds them and makes the situation worse.

Best Practices for Handling OT Tables

To ensure proper functioning of electro hydraulic operating tables and prevent issues, hospitals have implemented best practices including:

• Restricting access/operation to authorized surgical staff only
• Training nurses and technicians on each OT table model
• Locking idle tables to prevent unauthorized adjustments
• Posting warning labels – “No Unauthorized Adjustments”
• Following manufacturer guidelines for table movement/storage
• Regular servicing, inspections and calibration

Adhering to these best practices minimizes the risks and helps prevent problems with these complex systems.

FAQs

Are OT tables very heavy?

Yes, electro hydraulic operating tables are extremely heavy. Weights range from about 800 pounds to 2,000 pounds depending on the model and features. Unauthorized moving risks injury and internal component damage.

Do they require special power connections?

OT tables either require 220V AC electrical connections or battery power options to energize the electric hydraulic pump. These should only be handled by hospital biomedical equipment technicians.

What is the hydraulic fluid used in OT tables?

Special hydraulic fluid or oil is used to power the high pressure cylinder pistons. This golden colored fluid needs to meet certain viscosity, lubricating and contamination specs to work properly.

Conclusion：Electro Hydraulic Operating Tables

In summary, electro hydraulic operating tables play an invaluable role during surgery, but also carry risks if mishandled or tampered with incorrectly. Due to complex internal systems and the direct role they play in patient safety and care, specialized technical staff must handle all operations and maintenance. Without proper training and credentials, never attempt to access or adjust an OT table which could result in injury, equipment failure and serious legal consequences in hospitals. Following best practices and safety protocols is key to ensuring these sensitive systems function properly when needed most.