The past four articles have been about the primary team members in the operating room, but there are others that  may help out as well. This group primarily consists of other clinicians and technicians that may be needed during a procedure.   A few of them are as follows.

• X-Ray Technician This person will run a number of x-ray machines that may be used during surgery. For example, a flat plate x-ray machine or a C-arm. These studies provide valuable information to the surgeon that help him perform the operation in a safe manner.  X Ray is often used in the operating room, especially for orthopedic procedures.
• Ultrasound Technician  This person will run any number of ultrasound machines that may be needed to identify important body structures during surgery. Ultrasound is used only rarely in the operating room, primarily for vascular and heart surgery.
• Perfusionist or Cardiopulmonary Bypass Technician This person is an expert in running the machine that keeps you alive during heart surgery.  It is called the heart/lung machine or cardiopulmonary bypass machine. This person works closely with the surgeon to assure your safety during heart surgery.
• Anesthesia Technician This person helps the anesthesiologist and renews supplies between surgical cases.

In addition to these team members, sometimes there are personnel to help to supply the operation room with necessary supplies and to clean up after the operation. Each person plays an important role to ensure your safety and quick recovery from surgery.