The new glass operating room (OR) at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) is the first Skytron Efficient and Safe Environment (EASE) Modular System installation in the United States.

The EASE system is clinically proven to reduce infections. In fact, the glass OR can fight off bacteria growth with a 99.9% efficiency rate. The newly-outfitted modern glass OR also includes a healing-inspired design element – a nature mural.

“With the new, modern glass OR and nature mural it feels peaceful, calming,” said Hrayr Basmajian, M.D. medical director of orthopedic trauma at PVHMC. “That enhances the patient experience.”

Glass or steel-walled ORs have been used in Europe for quite some time.

Their use in the U.S. is a growing trend because of their hygienic qualities:

• Rounded corners allow nowhere for bacteria to hide

• Flush surfaces increase efficiency for cleaning the room

• Powder coating increases ability to fight off infectious elements

The glass OR is primarily being used for total joint replacement surgeries. While the rate of infection for total joint replacements is low at PVHMC, the potential risk of infection is higher for these types of surgical procedures.