The aviation industry's use of black boxes to investigate accidents has inspired a similar approach in surgery to enhance patient safety and team performance. In operating rooms, the Black Box Platform —comprising microphones, cameras, sensors, and data recorders—monitors various factors like team communication, patient vital signs, and potential distractions.

This technology, already implemented in hospitals like Stanford and Duke University, captures real-time data that is analyzed with AI to identify safety threats, inefficiencies, and communication issues. The goal is not to punish staff, but to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement. By reviewing the collected data in debriefing sessions, surgical teams can pinpoint areas for improvement, such as reducing distractions or optimizing workflows, leading to better patient outcomes. Early findings have shown that the technology can significantly reduce errors and improve team dynamics, making it a promising tool for advancing surgical safety.