New advances in the operating room. And not just new technology, Mass General Hospital is unveiling a new O.R. that's safer and more streamlined. Healthcast reporter Janet Wu took a tour today.
It is impressive. Two years in the planning, this Mass General operating room is a prototype on improving surgery for both the medical staff and the patient.
Welcome to the future… this O.R. May not look unusual to you, but surgeons see a world of difference. for one... No more moving patients around. Now, the patient stays in one bed for sedation, operation and recovery.
Dr. David Rattner, Mass. General Hospital
"The fact that we don't have to transfer the patient from one table to another or from one stretcher to another increases safety and also increases efficiency."
Everything is arranged for efficiency. Doctors can adjust the lights and equipment without asking a nurse or technician to do it. Nurses don't have to scramble for instruments... the latest technology is all within easy reach.
"The room can be arranged any way we want. Everything is flexible."
Crowding is always an issue in operating rooms, especially in teaching hospitals. With video screens placed around the room, everyone can see the procedure.
Doctors even have a telestrater, like that used in televised football games to help them teach. So, how's it all working?
Dr. Richard Wiklund, OR Medical Director
"Our surgeons are happy with it... The nurses are happy with it."
But the best part is what we don't see.
"It's also a lot safer because there are no electrical cords on the floor."
So there's nothing to trip on. The O.R. also affects the bottom line. Because it streamlines the surgical process, more patients can be treated while less staff time is wasted.
