1. Introduce yourself to as many
people, especially surgeons, as possible. Doctors are often very grateful and
accepting when they learn you are new and are willing to guide you. Most
doctors like things done a certain way and will be happy to teach you to get it
right the next time. They generally don’t like it when you pretend you know
what you’re doing and stuff it up!
2.
Familiarise yourself with the
II. Know which buttons/levers move the machines in which directions so you know
how to move the machine quickly and confidently.
3.
Be aware of where/how far you
need to move the machine and clear all possible obstacles (e.g. cables, IV
poles/lines, anything under the operating table) and ensure that the screens
are visible to both yourself and the surgeon and won’t need to be moved during
the case
4.
For urology/op chole/general
abdo area cases – come in perpendicular to the patient. E.g. with an RGP,
centre to the correct side of the patient and turn the wheels so the machine
will move straight up and down the patient
5.
For orthopaedic cases such as
hands, wrists, forearms, elbows – turn the machine so the II is on the bottom
and the tube on top as surgeons will often rest the limb on the II
6.
For spinal cases (depending on
doctor preference) – the machine may need to be flipped so that it can be swung
over the top of the patient to get a shoot through lateral. Test this before
you come into the theatre
7.
For hip cases – you may bring
the machine in through the patient’s legs or the unaffected leg will be lowered
and you’ll come in from the unaffected side. You’re not quite perpendicular to
the patient but the angle depends on the patient set up and is usually guided
by the surgeon. Centre over the hip for the AP and swing under the table for the
lateral.
8.
Only screen when the surgeon
asks and stop when they say or when they are no longer looking at the screen.
Always ask before you screen if you want to check your position and make sure
everyone in the room is wearing or is protected by lead.
9.
If the doctor doesn’t ask, save
images at significant points (e.g. when contrast is seen, when screws/plates
have been inserted)
10. Make use of both image screens i.e. save older images to the other
screen as a reference. E.g. with hip cases, as you frequently change from AP to
Lat, save the last image before you switch positions so the surgeon can compare
from both angles
