High-tech operating rooms ‘talk’ to surgeons

Posted on Nov 4, 2010

New operating rooms at Mills-Peninsula

Ten highly advanced, high-tech operating suites will be part of the new Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.

Miniaturized television cameras will capture sharp, clear pictures at the surgical site and send them to displays that offer even greater detail than high-definition TV, according to Mills-Peninsula general surgeon Albert Wetter, M.D.

Surgeons can access the latest X-rays and test results during the operation, and information can be exported outside the OR over secure channels for patient confidentiality.

“A phone call over the computer allows other doctors to see in real time what’s happening,” Dr. Wetter said. “So we can get a virtual second opinion from physicians in the next room or around the world.”

The information system is called the Stryker® Integrated Device Network or SIDNE (pronounced“Sidney”). “It’s the same communications system used on Air Force One,” Dr. Wetter said.

SIDNE is completely voice-activated. By talking out loud to the system, the surgeon can instantly control every piece of equipment. SIDNE then replies so the doctor knows the command was understood and executed. When a procedure is complete, SIDNE can even show a sense of humor. “Excellent, doctor,” it says.

“A more efficient OR means the patient is under anesthesia for a shorter period of time,” Dr. Wetter said. “Thanks to the increased visibility afforded by the cameras  and viewing screens, the procedure can be even more precise, more effective and less invasive. That means patients can recover faster, get over their operations and on with their lives.”

Posted by Angela Anderson on Nov 4, 2010 in Technology | 1 comment