Toronto General Hospital TRIGOR: Advancing Surgical Precision

Toronto General Hospital has a long history of medical firsts. From the first clinical use of insulin to the world’s first successful double lung transplant, it has continually set new standards in healthcare. The Translational Research Image Guided Operating Room (TRIGOR) project is part of that legacy—Canada’s first operating room to fully integrate advanced imaging within a surgical space, allowing real-time CT and Angio imaging during procedures. It was the first facility in the world to have a Siemens Flash-CT and an Artis Zeego C-arm within the same OR, making it capable of supporting complex chest, heart, and vascular procedures that benefit from live imaging.

Callidus Engineering played a key role in bringing this state-of-the-art facility to life, providing the mechanical and electrical engineering expertise needed to merge advanced imaging with surgical functionality.

A close-up of the TRIGOR-A operating room at Toronto General Hospital, featuring Siemens medical imaging equipment, LED surgical lights, and an operating table covered in protective plastic.

Design Team

This achievement was made possible by our talented design team:

Jennifer Stanley, P.Eng.

Mechanical

Jennifer Stanley, P.Eng Principal, Director of Engineering

Nick Lorusso

Mechanical

Nick Lorusso Senior Principal, Dept. Manager

S. Grant Hall, P.Eng.

Electrical

S. Grant Hall, P.Eng Founder, Senior Principal

About Toronto General Hospital

As part of the University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital is a global leader in medical research and innovation. Over the years, it has been at the forefront of transformative healthcare breakthroughs, including:

  • The first clinical use of insulin (1922)
  • The first external heart pacemaker (1950)
  • The world’s first successful single lung transplant (1983)
  • The world’s first successful double lung transplant (1986)

With TRIGOR, the hospital continues this tradition, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest advancements in surgical technology.

Reflections From Project Manager Jennifer Stanley

“I was proud to be a part of the Callidus Engineering team that was a partner in a design build team for the successful development of the Translational Research Image Guided Operating Room (TRIGOR-A) suite at Toronto General Hospital part of the University Health Network. Callidus brought our expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering along with our vast knowledge of diagnostic imaging equipment to develop this state-of-the-art suite, the first of it’s kind when it was completed.

The TRIGOR-A operating room at Toronto General Hospital, featuring a Siemens CT scanner, an angiography machine, an operating table, ceiling-mounted surgical lights, and multiple monitors displaying medical imaging.

Callidus worked with the stakeholders at the hospital to ensure seamless integration of the operating room requirements and the diagnostic imaging requirements of the CT and angiography equipment.  The project’s success is a testament to the team that Callidus was a part of, delivering high-quality solutions in complex healthcare environments.”

– Jennifer Stanley, Director of Engineeing & Project Manager, Callidus Engineering

The TRIGOR-A operating room at Toronto General Hospital, showing a Siemens imaging system, an operating table covered in protective plastic, ceiling-mounted surgical lights, and medical equipment arms.

Engineering Excellence in Healthcare

Our team provided comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering services for TRIGOR, including:

Power and Electrical Systems: Design and implementation of suite power distribution, specialized lighting, fire alarm integration, nurse call systems, and controlled entry mechanisms.

  • Dedicated circuits and grounding to support highly sensitive imaging equipment.
  • Coordination with Siemens equipment requirements to ensure proper electrical loads and redundancy.

Mechanical Systems: Installation of advanced HVAC systems to maintain stringent air quality standards, sanitary plumbing, fire protection measures, medical gas pipelines, and precise control systems.

  • Integration of high-efficiency HEPA filtration and laminar flow systems to ensure sterile conditions.
  • Medical gas system upgrades to support the additional needs of an image-guided OR.

Seamless Integration: Collaboration with architects, contractors, and hospital stakeholders to ensure the space met both surgical and imaging needs without compromise.

  • Site audits and existing infrastructure assessments to determine necessary modifications.
  • Close coordination with imaging equipment suppliers to accommodate physical and operational constraints.

Bridging Imaging and Surgery

The TRIGOR suite at Toronto General Hospital enhances patient care by allowing real-time imaging during surgery. This integration improves surgical precision, reduces the need for multiple procedures, and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Callidus Engineering worked closely with the hospital’s team to ensure seamless integration of the diagnostic imaging equipment, balancing the technical demands of an operating room with the intricate requirements of CT and angiography systems.

The TRIGOR-A operating room at Toronto General Hospital, featuring a Siemens Flash-CT scanner, an Artis Zeego C-arm, an operating table, ceiling-mounted surgical lights, and multiple monitors displaying medical imaging.
The control room for the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, featuring multiple computer monitors, medical equipment, and a viewing window into the surgical area.

A Lasting Impact

TRIGOR is more than an operating room—it’s a step forward in the evolution of patient care. By combining real-time imaging with surgery, it has redefined what’s possible in the operating room, strengthening Toronto General Hospital’s position as a leader in medical innovation.

Callidus Engineering is proud to have contributed to this landmark project, reinforcing our commitment to delivering engineering solutions that make a difference in healthcare.

Gallery

Exposed ceiling structure during the construction of the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, showing metal framing, ductwork, electrical wiring, and plumbing systems.
Construction phase of the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, showing exposed ductwork, conduit, electrical wiring, and metal framing for the ceiling and walls.
Electrical transformer installation for the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, showing an open transformer unit with copper coils, conduit wiring, and caution tape marking the work area.
Construction progress of the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, showing exposed wall framing, electrical wiring, and a partially installed viewing window for the control room.
Construction phase of the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, showing exposed concrete ceilings, ductwork, electrical conduit, and mounting brackets for future equipment installation.
Electrical room for the TRIGOR-A operating suite at Toronto General Hospital, featuring large power distribution units and transformers installed on concrete pads.