Hybrid operating suites allow doctors to perform both catheterization procedures and full surgery in the same room. They're becoming a lot more popular, and now Steris Corp. and Toshiba America Medical Systems say they're teaming up to offer hybrid ORs to their customers.

On Monday, both companies said they've formed an alliance to create hybrid suites in the pediatric, neurosurgical and cardiovascular markets. In essence, Steris will design the rooms, while Toshiba will stock them with imaging and digital information equipment.

Mentor, Ohio-based Steris said they'll provide lighting, equipment management and visualization systems. Tustin, Calif.-based Toshiba will provide the imaging equipment and other products. For instance, Toshiba makes InfinixTM-i, a ceiling-mounted X-ray system, and the CAT-880B, a hybrid table.

Robert Popilock, senior market development manager with Steris' surgical solutions division, said hybrid OR design presents specific challenges, such as the need to remove collision points for machines.

"Hybrid operating rooms offer tremendous opportunities to advance care, but designing and building these complex rooms is a huge task," he said in a statement.

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