Inspired by aviation safety protocols, a Canadian research team is working to enhance surgical safety by introducing the OR Black Box® into operating rooms. Developed by Dr. Teodor Grantcharov and his team, these devices, now installed in hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, monitor every move and word during surgeries to track distractions and errors.

The data reveals key issues such as frequent distractions from noise, non-essential conversations, and device malfunctions—issues that occur in up to 44% of surgeries. Grantcharov aims to implement stricter protocols to reduce these distractions, advocating for a "sterile cockpit" approach similar to aviation, where only essential communication is allowed during critical moments of a procedure. By increasing transparency in operating rooms, the team hopes to improve patient safety and transform a traditionally secretive environment into one focused on continuous improvement.