The operating room is an exciting location in which to apply the principles of engineering.
The surgical environment encompasses an extensive arrangement of medical technologies
and processes. The clinical engineer must apply the principles of several
engineering disciplines to support an efficient, productive, and safe operating room.
This chapter describes the medical technology, surgical specialties, personnel, and
physical setting of a conventional operating room. The complex and dynamic interaction
of these facets of the operating room is thoroughly illustrated, thus enabling the clinical
engineer to support this environment more effectively.