Developers have devised an innovative solution that manages music levels at critical moments during surgical procedures.
The team behind CanaryBox aimed to address the persistent challenges of noise pollution and distraction within operating rooms.
The new device, developed by Canary Sound Design LLC in the US, enhances surgeon focus and patient safety by reducing or silencing music in response to changes in a patient’s condition.
Operating room noise has long been a concern for healthcare professionals, impacting the focus and communication vital for successful surgeries.
Organisations have long highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive noise on surgical outcomes.
A study found that noise levels exceeded 100dB during a significant portion of orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures, with music being a significant contributor.
Canary Sound Design’s innovative CanaryBox addresses this issue by seamlessly integrating music with data from anaesthesia monitors.
The device’s flexible algorithms automatically adjust the music volume based on patient vitals and other critical factors.
In doing so, it aims to strike a balance between the calming effects of music and the need for clear communication and focus during surgery.
Dr Alistair MacDonald, CEO of Canary Sound Design, co-founded the company with Dr Eric Crimmins, Chief Clinical Officer, and Annie Crimmins, Chief Operating Officer.
The idea for the CanaryBox was born from a critical situation in an operating room when Dr MacDonald found himself shouting to turn off the music as a patient’s oxygen saturation dropped alarmingly.
This incident spurred the team to develop a solution leveraging technology to adapt to the acoustic environment based on patient conditions.
An experienced critical care nurse and co-founder, Annie Crimmins, emphasised that surgical teams play music in approximately 90% of operating rooms.
While studies suggest its benefits in reducing stress and enhancing focus, the cacophony of beeping monitors, clinical alarms, and medical equipment can negate these benefits.
According to another study, teams must prioritise communication for an operating room to function optimally. It also observed that playing music should be a shared decision amongst operating room personnel.
The researchers concluded: ‘Numerous potential sources of noise and distractions may hamper the operating room environment. It is incumbent upon all operating room team members to actively work together to reduce unnecessary noise.’
The CanaryBox provides a solution that harnesses the power of data to create an environment conducive to optimal surgical outcomes.
Its controller can interface with standard anaesthesia monitors and respond to pre-set or customised settings related to heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure changes.
The company has also formed a strategic partnership with Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc., to expand the reach of the CanaryBox to operating rooms equipped with Storz monitors.
Dr Eric Crimmins, Chief Clinical Officer, highlighted that the primary goal of the CanaryBox is patient safety. ‘We want to balance the beneficial effects associated with music with alarm recognition and vigilance,’ he said.
As the company continues gaining momentum, its innovative approach promises to revolutionise how operating rooms manage noise and focus during critical procedures, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
