FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A state-of-the-art hybrid operating room aims to change the lives of local veterans who receive care at the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno. The new space, dubbed 'The Hybrid Room' by staff, was revealed at a ribbon cutting on Friday.

"This OR is equipped with all the latest technology to help provide care with scope for vascular interventional cardiology, advanced vascular, orthopedic, as well as neurosurgical procedures," said Dr. Viraj Pandit, a vascular surgeon at the Fresno VA.

Dr. Pandit, one of the driving forces behind the major upgrade, a mission started by fellow vascular surgeon Dr. Andras Bikk, says the move will usher in a new era for veteran care.

"To put it in simplistic terms, it's an upgrade from a black and white TV to an 8K TV," he said.

Whether it's the latest CT scan technology, fusion imaging, high-definition streaming software for out of room radiologists, additional monitoring, and studies, and an interchangeable tabletop for different procedures, the space truly has it all.

It's tech Dr. Pandit says will be key to improve precision, imaging, and procedure times. For patients, that means less radiation, better outcomes, faster recoveries, and peace of mind for veterans skeptical about surgery.

"It's important for us to give the highest standard of care for our veteran patients and having that with this room will help us do that," Dr. Pandit said.

To top it all off, the life-saving celebration was made a little sweeter with a cake featuring a printed image of the new OR. A cake, surgically cut of course.

Though Friday marked a day of celebration, it won't be long until the hospital's surgeons put the state-of-the-art space to use, with procedures set to start on Monday, Feb. 24.