Massachusetts General Hospital
Operating Room of the Future
Boston, MA
650 SF
The new Operating Room of the Future is a place to test the latest technology and find ways to improve surgeons’ systems in hopes of cutting costs while doing things more safely. Most noticeable is the lack of bulky machines and tangled wires on the floor. Cords come from above on booms that keep them out of the way. In addition, machines have been combined as much as possible to reduce their numbers. Everything is controlled from central locations, giving easy access for nurses and surgeons. The surgeon can turn on lights or make equipment adjustments instead of having nurses’ work interrupted. On the wall, video images of the surgery in progress are projected on a large screen. All activity in the room is electronically logged, allowing surgeons to develop a database that can be used to analyze the surgeonís functions and make improvements.