The future of health care: Medical device innovation in the 48X Complex

UC Davis Health is redefining surgical and procedural excellence with the launch of the 48X Complex, a visionary initiative that combines cutting-edge technology, forward-thinking design and system-wide integration. 

This state-of-the-art facility introduces future-ready surgical suites and establishes a new campus standard that connects critical UC Davis Health sites, including Aggie Square, the existing operating rooms and the newly developed 48X Surgical Suite. Designed to support the next generation of surgical innovation, the 48X Complex enhances current capabilities and positions the health system for long-term adaptability and growth.

A cornerstone of this transformation is an unprecedented surge in medical device innovation. With more than 15,000 new medical devices being integrated into the facility, 48X represents one of the most significant technological deployments in UC Davis Health’s history. From advanced surgical and diagnostic systems to intelligent patient-care technologies, every device has been selected to maximize clinical precision, patient safety and workflow efficiency. This investment ensures that each room within the facility is equipped to support the highest standards of care.

• At the heart of the facility is strategic standardization around Steris equipment, featuring Steris OR Lights, Boom Systems and Communication Technologies. This campus-wide standard establishes seamless connectivity between UC Davis Health’s growing network of surgical environments, allowing for integrated workflows, shared training protocols and enhanced support for cutting-edge procedures.
• Every surgical room in the 48X Complex has been designed with robotic surgery readiness in mind, enabling immediate deployment of robotic-assisted systems and technologies.

Imaging Technologies

The 48X Complex is equipped with a comprehensive suite of imaging technologies, setting a new benchmark for care at UC Davis Health. These state-of-the-art systems not only enhance clinical accuracy but also streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes across a broad spectrum of specialties.

• Leading this imaging arsenal is the Siemens IR Artis Icono Bi-Plane system, a cutting-edge platform designed specifically for complex interventional procedures. Its bi-plane imaging capability allows clinicians to visualize anatomy from multiple angles simultaneously, offering unmatched clarity, speed and flexibility during intricate interventions.
  

  

• Complementing this is the GE Revolution Ascend CT scanner, a high-performance AI-powered imaging system known for its exceptional speed and precision. The Ascend delivers rapid scan times with lower radiation doses, making it ideal for emergency and high-throughput environments.
  

  

• Rounding out the suite is the Philips CombiDiagnost R90, engineered to support high-volume imaging demands, making it an invaluable tool in both routine and specialized diagnostic workflows. • The MRI suite within the 48X Complex has been purposefully designed to support the future state of minimally invasive, image-guided therapies, with a particular focus on emerging laser-guided procedures. This advanced imaging environment enables clinicians to perform highly precise interventions using real-time intraoperative guidance, reducing the need for open surgery and accelerating patient recovery times.

Expansive Capability

• Among the specialized additions to the 48X Complex is the inclusion of a Hyperbaric Chamber dedicated to Wound Care, representing a significant advancement in treating complex and chronic wounds. This state-of-the-art chamber provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a clinically proven treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing processes by delivering 100% oxygen at elevated atmospheric pressure.
• The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) within the 48X facility has been designed to maximize efficiency, safety and throughput by integrating Getinge automation washers and smart trolley systems. This advanced automation significantly streamlines the instrument decontamination and sterilization process, reducing manual handling and minimizing the risk of human error.
• The laboratory spaces have also been thoughtfully designed with both patient comfort and staff ergonomics in mind. The 10 Chaparral Blood Draw Stations are central to this commitment, each engineered to enhance the phlebotomy experience. Among them is a fully ADA-compliant wheelchair-accessible station, ensuring inclusivity and ease of access for every patient. These stations are equipped with three-way adjustability, allowing for the positioning of the patient chair, phlebotomy station, and phlebotomist chair to promote optimal posture, safety, and comfort for both patients and staff.

  

The 48X project is more than just a facility, it is a bold investment in the future of health care at UC Davis Health, defined by the integration of high-performance medical equipment and clinical technologies. 48X represents one of the most advanced and strategically equipped environments in the health system’s history. This deep investment in equipment supports today’s surgical and procedural needs and ensures long-term adaptability as technology evolves. This new direction exemplifies the power of equipment-driven innovation in transforming patient care, streamlining workflows, and reinforcing UC Davis Health’s leadership in academic medicine and advanced clinical practice.

Nathan Lauppe
Director
Building Activation, Interiors and Equipment
Facilities Planning and Development
UC Davis Health