With over 10 years of expertise

Modernization of operating rooms while the hospital remains in operation

The renovation of operating rooms places the highest demands on general contractors. As the heart of every clinic, operating areas must meet the highest hygiene standards, integrate the most complex medical technology, and at the same time ensure life-saving operations.

As a specialized general contractor for operating room renovation in Frankfurt am Main and the surrounding area, chore bauen GmbH carries out demanding operating room modernizations without interrupting surgical operations.

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The chore approach

How is chore OP renovation carried out during ongoing hospital operations?

The biggest challenge in operating room renovations is carrying out comprehensive modernization measures without compromising surgical care capacity. This requires well-thought-out phased concepts and intelligent interim solutions that enable continuous surgical activity even during complex renovation work.

Phased modernization

By renovating individual operating rooms sequentially while maintaining operations in the remaining operating rooms, even extensive modernization projects can be carried out without supply bottlenecks.

Phase 1

Infrastructure preparation
  • Modernization of technical centers: Renewal of central systems without interrupting operations
  • New cable routing outside operating hours: to minimize disruptions during ongoing operations
  • Installation of redundant systems: ensuring seamless switching during commissioning
  • Training staff on new processes: for a smooth transition to modernized technology

Phase 2

Surgical renovation
  • Renovation of individual operating rooms while others are in full use: to maintain surgical capacity
  • Short conversion times thanks to prefabrication: reduce downtime to a minimum
  • Temporary diversion to other operating rooms: for flexible response to urgent procedures
  • Flexible adaptation to surgical planning: takes into account surgical priorities and emergencies

Phase 3 

Integration and optimization
  • Integration of old and new systems: for uniform operation and central control
  • Function optimization and fine-tuning: to achieve the specified performance parameters
  • Documentation and acceptance: complete proof of compliance with standards
  • Long-term monitoring and readjustment: to ensure optimal operating parameters over the long term

    Interim solutions during renovation

    Flexible transitional solutions ensure surgical care even during extensive renovation work and enable the planned surgical schedule to be maintained.

    Redistribution of operating room capacities

    • Relocation of scheduled procedures to other operating rooms: through optimized surgical planning and coordination
    • Extended usage times for existing operating rooms: to compensate for reduced number of rooms
    • Cooperation with neighboring clinics: for alternative options in the event of capacity bottlenecks

    • Prioritization based on urgency: ensures care for all life-threatening cases
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    Our services

    What specialized renovation services does chore OP modernization include?

    From the room shell to the medical technology infrastructure and lighting technology, every element of an operating room requires precise planning and professional execution. The successful integration of all components forms the basis for safe and efficient surgical procedures.

    Operating room covers and surfaces

    The structural shell of an operating room must meet the highest hygiene requirements and at the same time withstand the mechanical stresses of daily operation. Every surface contributes to overall safety and requires careful material selection.

    Seamless wall systems

    • Disinfectant-resistant surfaces: years of durability despite aggressive cleaning agents
    • Seamless transitions between wall and floor: eliminate bacteria niches and facilitate surface disinfection
    • Integrated media connections and power outlets: for seamless integration of all supply media into the wall surface
    • Antistatic properties: to protect sensitive medical technology from electrostatic discharge

    Operating room flooring

    • Conductive floor coverings to prevent static charging: protecting electronics and patients
    • Seamless installation with coving: to prevent dirt accumulation in corners and edges
    • Chemical-resistant coatings: for lasting resistance to disinfectants
    • Non-slip surfaces even when wet: increase work safety for the surgical team

    ceiling design

    • Integration of ventilation technology: for optimal air distribution and particle control
    • Installation of surgical lights and supply units: enables flexible positioning of medical systems
    • Maintenance openings for technical equipment: simplify access to installations without interrupting operations
    • Sound-absorbing properties: reduce noise levels for better communication

    Medical technology integration

    The seamless integration of medical devices into the building infrastructure enables flexible workflows and optimal patient care.

    Ceiling supply units

    • Swivel arms for flexible positioning: adapt to different surgical positions
    • Integration of all media (electricity, gas, data): central supply without disruptive floor cables
    • Medical device connections and monitors: enable quick device changes during surgery
    • Emergency power supply for critical systems: safeguards life-support equipment in the event of a power failure

    Operating table integration

    • Central or lateral floor anchoring: for maximum stability during all procedures
    • Electric height and tilt adjustment: optimizes ergonomics for the surgical team
    • X-ray-transparent table tops: enable intraoperative imaging without repositioning
    • Special adapters for various disciplines: for specialized patient positioning

    Imaging integration:

    • C-arm guidance and positioning: for rapid use in image-guided procedures
    • Radiation protection for personnel: protects surgical teams from cumulative radiation exposure
    • Digital image transfer and archiving: for direct integration into the hospital information system

    Lighting and visualization systems

    Precise illumination of the surgical field and high-resolution imaging are crucial factors for the success of complex procedures. 

    surgical lights

    • Shadow-free illumination of the surgical field: for optimal visibility at all angles of approach
    • Focus and brightness control: adjust lighting to individual requirements
    • Sterilizable light heads: enable hygienic handling during surgery

    video integration

    • HD cameras for minimally invasive surgery: delivering razor-sharp images for precise procedures
    • 4K monitors for high-resolution display: show the finest anatomical details
    • Image recording and live transmission: for documentation and training purposes
    • Integration into hospital information systems: enables digital archiving and diagnosis

      Requirements for op types

      What specific requirements do different types of surgery have?

      Different surgical disciplines each have specific requirements in terms of room size, technical equipment, and medical infrastructure. Knowledge of subject-specific needs is therefore crucial for the successful planning and implementation of operating room renovations.

      Specialized operating rooms

      Highly specialized departments require customized technical solutions that go far beyond the requirements of standard operating rooms. 

      Cardiovascular surgery

      • Heart-lung machine integration: life-support systems during cardiac surgery
      • Reinforced floor foundations for heavy equipment: support the weight of perfusion systems and imaging equipment
      • Redundant power supply and emergency power systems: protect critical devices without interruption
      • Quick access for emergency situations: saves lives in acute complications

      neurosurgery

      • Vibration-free foundation: for maximum precision in microsurgical procedures
      • Microscope integration with ceiling mounting: enables stable positioning without vibration
      • Navigation systems and computer integration: for image-guided surgical planning in real time

      Orthopaedics

      • Reinforced floors for heavy equipment: withstand loads from C-arms and operating tables
      • Integration of image converters and X-ray machines: increases precision in complex orthopedic procedures
      • Large storage areas for implants: enable quick access to different prosthesis sizes

      eye surgery

      • Vibration-free microscope setup: for submillimeter-precise operations on the eye
      • Special air conditioning: prevents the eye from drying out during surgery
      • Vibration- and sound-dampened environment: eliminates disruptive influences during precision procedures

      chore as a partner

      What distinguishes chore as surgical specialists?

      Extensive surgical expertise

      Over ten years of experience in the healthcare sector have shaped our understanding of the special requirements of medical facilities. This expertise is incorporated into every phase of planning and execution.

      • All types of operating rooms: From standard to hybrid operating rooms
      • Complete trades: construction, technology, and medical technology integration
      • Compliance with standards: Detailed knowledge of all relevant standards
      • Project management: Coordination of highly complex construction projects

      All trades in-house

      The chore group of companies brings together all the necessary expertise:

      • chore build: Specialized clean room and operating room construction
      • chore studio: Operating room planning and medical technology integration
      • Technical systems: ventilation, electrical systems, and medical gas supply

      Absolute reliability

      We understand that surgical projects cannot tolerate delays. That is why we guarantee you:

      • Guaranteed deadlines: Binding commitments for surgical reopening
      • 24/7 availability: Emergency service even outside working hours
      • Quality assurance: Systematic checks in all project phases
      • Long-term support: Maintenance and service after project completion

      air quality standards

      What air purity standards apply to operating rooms?

      The quality of indoor air has a significant impact on the safety of surgical procedures and the protection of patients against postoperative infections. DIN 1946-4 defines precise requirements for air purity, air flow, and technical equipment for various operating room categories.

      Air purity classes for operating rooms

      Depending on the type of procedure and the risk of infection, different requirements apply to the purity of the room air.

      Class 1a - Highest purity:

      • Implant surgery and joint replacement
      • Cardiovascular surgery
      • Neurosurgery and spinal surgery
      • Particle count: ≤ 10 particles/m³ (≥ 0.5 μm)

      Class 1b - High purity:

      • General surgery involving the opening of body cavities
      • Gynecological and urological procedures
      • Eye surgery and ENT operations
      • Particle count: ≤ 200 particles/m³ (≥ 0.5 μm)

      Class 2 - Standard purity:

      • Outpatient procedures and endoscopy
      • emergency surgeries
      • Minor surgical procedures
      • Particle count: ≤ 2,000 particles/m³ (≥ 0.5 μm)

      Laminar flow systems for sterile air flow

      A directed air flow ensures that particles generated by people or activities are immediately removed from the operating room area.

      Vertical displacement flow:

      • Low-turbulence airflow from the ceiling: reduces turbulence and particle swirling in the surgical field
      • Even distribution over the operating table: for optimal coverage of the sterile working area
      • Side extraction at floor level: for controlled removal of contaminated air

      TAV ceilings (low turbulence displacement):

      • Large-area supply air ceiling systems: ensure homogeneous air distribution across the entire operating room area
      • Integrated surgical lights and media supply: enabling efficient design without compromise
      • Modular design for flexible configuration: for adaptation to different operating room requirements
      • Maintenance-friendly design: simplifies maintenance and filter replacement

      Technical requirements

      What technical infrastructure do modern operating rooms require?

      Reliable technical systems form the invisible foundation of every operating room and ensure uninterrupted care during life-saving procedures.

      Ventilation and air conditioning technology

      Precisely controlled room air parameters protect patients from infections and create optimal working conditions for the surgical team. In addition to air purity, constant temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels are crucial for the success of any operation.

    • air treatment

      • HEPA filtration for particle-free supply air: removes 99.995% of all infection-causing particles
      • Temperature control ±1°C accuracy: ensures constant conditions regardless of the number of people and equipment load
      • CO₂ control and fresh air supply: enables concentrated work throughout the entire surgical procedure
    • Redundancy and reliability

      • At least two independent ventilation systems: for backup during maintenance or malfunction
      • Automatic switchover in case of malfunctions: takes place within seconds without interrupting operation
      • Battery-buffered emergency power supply: bridges critical switchover times
      • Continuous monitoring of all parameters: detects deviations at an early stage
    • Energy efficiency

      • Variable air volume flows depending on usage: for demand-based control outside operating hours
      • Nighttime reduction for unused halls: reduces energy consumption without compromising safety
      • Optimized control strategies: intelligent control for minimal energy consumption
    • Medical gas supply

      The continuous availability of medical gases is vital and requires multiple backup supply systems. Oxygen, compressed air, vacuum, and specialty gases must be supplied to every workstation via redundant lines.

    • oxygen supply

      • Central tank system or concentrators: for uninterrupted supply even when demand is high
      • Redundant cable routing to each operating room: eliminates the risk of failure due to cable damage
      • Alarm in case of pressure drop or vacancy: warns in good time of supply bottlenecks
    • Compressed air and vacuum

      • Medical compressed air for pneumatic devices: for operating saws, drills, and controls
      • Vacuum for suction and wound care: removes blood and fluids from the surgical field
      • Separate compressors for different pressure levels: for demand-based pressure supply
      • Air quality monitoring: through regular microbiological checks
    • Special gases

      • CO₂ for laparoscopy and endoscopy: creates working space during minimally invasive procedures
      • Nitrogen for cryosurgical procedures: enables tissue removal through freezing
      • Nitrous oxide for anesthesia support: to reduce the need for anesthetics
      • Separate distribution networks with check valves: prevent gas mixing and contamination
    • Electrical engineering and data technology

      State-of-the-art operating rooms rely on powerful power grids and high-capacity data connections that seamlessly link all medical technology systems.

    • Power supply

      • Multiple redundant grid connections: from different transformer stations for maximum supply reliability
      • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): bridges power failures within seconds without voltage drops
      • Diesel emergency power generators for long-term outages: enable self-sufficient operation for several days
    • Communication and data networks

      • Hospital information system connection: for digital patient records and documentation
      • High-speed Wi-Fi: enables flexible data usage throughout the entire operating room area
      • Intercom systems between operating rooms and external areas: for fast communication without interruption
      • Video conferencing for consultations and training: for expert opinions in real time
      • hygiene

        How are hygiene and sterility ensured during renovation?

        The highest hygiene standards during the construction phase are non-negotiable, as any contamination increases the risk of infection for patients.

        Contamination protection during the construction phase

        Construction work inevitably generates dust and particles, which require strict protective measures in sensitive hospital areas to ensure that a sterile environment is maintained.

        Dust minimization:

        • Water mist method for demolition work: binds dust at the point of origin
        • Special extraction systems on all tools: for source extraction to prevent particle dispersion
        • Air locks between construction and operating areas: prevent uncontrolled contamination of adjacent areas
        • Continuous air quality monitoring: documents compliance with limit values

        Separation of areas:

        • Physical separation by airlocks: for strict separation of construction and operating zones
        • Negative pressure in construction areas: draws particles away from the operation into the construction area
        • Separate entrances for construction workers: to avoid contact with hospital staff
        • Decontamination of materials and tools: before leaving the construction area

        Acceptance and qualification

        Before a renovated operating room can be put back into service, its functionality must be thoroughly verified.

        • Air quality measurements (verification of required cleanliness levels, air exchange rates, and flow velocities: to verify ventilation performance, positive and negative pressure measurements)
        • Microbiological validation (determination of germ count in room air, surface checks at critical points)

        Standards and regulations

        What standards and regulations apply to operating room renovations?

        Compliance with medical standards and regulatory requirements is not only a legal obligation, but also a basic prerequisite for patient safety. Detailed knowledge of all relevant guidelines and structured approval management are therefore essential.

        Medical standards and guidelines

        A complex set of rules defines precise requirements for all aspects of operating room design and technical equipment.

        DIN 1946-4 - Ventilation and air conditioning:

        • Air purity classes and air exchange rates
        • Filter requirements and maintenance intervals
        • Pressure conditions and air flow
        • Qualification and periodic inspections

          DIN EN ISO 14644 - Cleanrooms:

          • Classification of air purity
          • Monitoring and measurement methods
          • Qualification of personnel and procedures
          • Documentation and quality assurance

            Medical Device Operator Regulation:

            • Requirements for medical rooms
            • Operator obligations and documentation
            • Maintenance and servicing
            • Training and qualification

            Official approvals

            Before commissioning, various authorities and testing organizations check compliance with all relevant regulations in the operating room areas.

            • Building control authority: Compliance with special building regulations
            • Labor inspectorate: Occupational safety and workplace regulations
            • Hygiene Commission: Hospital hygiene requirements
            • TÜV/testing organizations: Technical safety and compliance with standards

            economic aspects

            What economic aspects need to be considered when renovating operating rooms?

            Even though improved operational efficiency and expanded medical capabilities pay off in the long term, comprehensive operating room modernization always requires significant investment initially. Sound financial planning and realistic profitability calculations therefore form the basis for successful renovation projects.

            Investment costs and financing

            Transparent cost planning and the use of available funding opportunities also enable extensive modernization projects to be carried out on limited budgets.

            Cost structure:

            • Construction and engineering: 60-70% of total costs
            • Medical technology: 20-25% of the investment
            • Planning costs: 10-15% of the project volume
            • Interim solutions: 5-10% for bridging

            Financing options:

            • Hospital Financing Act (KHG) Subsidies
            • KfW programs for energy efficiency
            • Private financing via leasing
            • Public-private partnership models

            return on investment

            Modern operating rooms not only enhance medical quality, but also improve economic performance through greater efficiency and expanded treatment options. Increased revenue from more complex procedures and cost savings in energy and maintenance lead to an attractive return on investment.

            Increases in revenue:

            • Higher case mix indices due to more complex procedures
            • More operating room capacity through more efficient processes
            • Shorter cleaning and setup times
            • Fewer complications thanks to improved technology

            Cost savings:

            • Energy efficiency through modern ventilation technology
            • Reduced downtime thanks to reliable technology
            • Lower maintenance costs for new systems
            • Reduced personnel costs through automation

            chore - Quality is our foundation

            Contact for your renovation project

            Are you planning to renovate or modernize your operating rooms? As a specialized general contractor for OR projects of all levels of complexity, we are at your disposal with our comprehensive expertise.

            Contact us for a no-obligation project consultation. Our operating room specialists will work with you to develop a customized renovation concept that meets the highest medical standards and ensures continuous surgical operations.

            Put your trust in over 10 years of healthcare expertise and the highest level of technical competence. Together, we will modernize your operating rooms—without interrupting operations, with sterile perfection, and with absolute adherence to deadlines.

            +49 69 6066 4500

            info@chore.de