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“This is really a gamechanger for us at UVA Health — to have this top notch, future forward operating room.”

After a five-month renovation that began in February led by the Perioperative and Facilities Capital Planning teams with critical input from clinical leadership — UVA Health University Medical Center officially has reopened OR29. The fully renovated hybrid operating room features state-of-the-art surgical and imaging technology. 

The July 29 ribbon cutting to celebrate the milestone brought together University Medical Center leaders, clinicians, and team members including Chief Executive Officer Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE; Chief Medical Officer Reid Adams, MD; (pictured above from left) vascular surgeons David Cassada, MD; Darrin Clouse, MD, FACS; Behzad Farivar, MD, FACS, Aortic Center Director; Margaret “Megan” Tracci, MD, JD; nurses; vascular radiology technologists; and Surgical Services Director Sue Bowers, CNOR, CSSM, who summed up the overall sentiment: “It was worth the wait for the new technology!” 

‘Extraordinary Clarity’ 

The newly outfitted hybrid OR29 now features GE HealthCare’s award-winning Allia IGS 7 imaging platform (pictured above), which Dr. Farivar explains allows our teams to perform complex procedures such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and fenestrated graft implantation with exceptional precision — often through tiny incisions or no incisions at all. The result: faster recovery, fewer complications, and in many cases, same-day discharge. 

Unlike traditional ORs, the Allia platform’s wide-bore C-arm and mobile, floor-unmounted gantry (pictured above) offer full flexibility and an unobstructed field — enabling collision-free navigation even in the most challenging procedures. 

“We can now see inside the body with extraordinary clarity, without ever making a large incision,” says Dr. Farivar, also Associate Professor of Surgery, and Associate Program Director, Vascular Surgery Fellowship, UVA School of Medicine. “This technology gives us millimeter-level accuracy in placing life-saving devices — and that means a safer, more comfortable experience for our patients.” 

‘Fantastic Step’ 

This transformation is part of UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan to modernize operations and make critical investments that strengthen care delivery and support clinical teams. Nearly half of operating room procedures are performed with limited access to essential controls or visual interfaces—a problem the Allia platform directly addresses through intuitive, personalized user workspaces that improve safety and efficiency.  

“The re-opening of OR29 is a fantastic step forward in our journey to expand operating room capacity across UVA Health University Medical Center,” says Horton (pictued above, speaking). “It’s powered by impressive technology and an even more incredible team. I’m truly excited about what this means for the future of care for our greater Charlottesville community.” 

True Clinical and Operational Partnership 

From the beginning, Dr. Farivar reports, OR29 was designed through a collaboration between frontline clinicians and operational teams. He worked closely with Perioperative Services, Facilities Capital Planning, radiology, and surgical teams to ensure the space would be fully optimized for the demands of complex vascular care. 

Dr. Farivar adds that every element — from imaging angles to table design — was informed by “the real-world needs of high-risk procedures” and the result is an operating room where care teams can move seamlessly, minimize radiation and contrast exposure, and perform delicate repairs with greater confidence and precision. 

“This OR lets us perform complex aortic repairs with a level of precision and efficiency that simply wasn’t possible before,” Dr. Farivar explains. “For our patients — that means smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster return to life.” 

New Era for Vascular Care at UVA Health 

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and collaboration demonstrated by our Facilities Capital Planning, Perioperative team, and all involved in the successful renovation of OR29,” says UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MBA, MHA. “This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology like the GE HealthCare Allia Platform, exemplifies our commitment to modernizing our operations for the benefit of both our patients and our healthcare professionals."

She adds: "This investment not only enhances the precision and efficiency of our surgical procedures but also underscores our dedication to maintaining a supportive and innovative environment for our team. We are excited to see the positive impact these advancements will have on patient care.” 

“This really does take a village, takes communication, takes hours, takes desire … very gratifying to see the team and the attitude,” Dr. Clouse (pictured above) told ribbon cutting attendees. “I can’t thank you all enough! This is really a gamechanger for us at UVA Health — to have this top notch, future forward operating room to do hybrid and endovascular procedures. From the bottom of my heart and from the bottom of everybody’s heart in our division, thank you for everything you do to help us take care of some of the sickest patients we have in the hospital.” 

The first case in the newly reopened OR is scheduled for Aug. 5, with many more on the horizon. Dr. Farivar says for patients with aortic aneurysms, carotid disease, or limb-threatening peripheral artery disease — the hybrid OR provides access to the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments available in the region. 

“Our patients come from across Virginia and beyond," says Dr. Farivar (pictured above, third from left). We’re delivering world-class vascular care in a way that is faster, safer, and more personalized than ever before. Whether it’s a patient needing stroke prevention, limb salvage, or repair of a life-threatening aneurysm, UVA Health is now equipped to deliver the highest level of care — right here in Charlottesville.”