Jennifer Matthews: When anesthesiologist James Berry heads down this hall, he feels like a superhero because he can see through the walls.
Dr. James Berry: It's just a way to be many places at once.
Jennifer Matthews: Floating in front of the doctor's left eye is a computer screen where he can see each operating room. It's all part of a new system called vigilance.
Dr. Michael Higgins: Essentially, what this system does is it allows us to know about things that are happening, anywhere in the area and the exact same time it occurs.
Jennifer Matthews: Developer Doctor Michael Higgins says seconds matter when it comes to problems during surgery. He has seen first hand how vigilance saves time.
Dr. Michael Higgins: We walk in a room and someone says, 'I was just about to call you,' and we say, 'We know.'
Jennifer Matthews: Everything Doctor Berry can see on this computer system, he can now take with him. He controls what he sees on the floating monitor with a mouse pad on his belt. He also wears a battery pack and portable computer.
Dr. James Berry: If trouble comes up, then I can go help and deal with it. Fortunately that's not often, but it's unpredictable. You don't know when it could be.
Jennifer Matthews: For example if a patient's blood pressure crosses a certain level, a pop-up alerts him. Through the voice controlled mini phone in his pocket, help is just seconds away.
While vigilance is about safety for the patient, even the doctors will admit it's fun.
Dr. James Berry: Hopefully our patients will benefit, and we get to play with the cool toys.
Jennifer Matthews: This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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