Operating room of the future

Surgical residents along with experienced surgeons train on a mannequin at the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 11, 2014.

The operating room of the future is being tested in an ongoing experiment aimed at breaking down barriers that bog down care through open communication and better use of technology.

Los Angeles

At the heart of the lab is a room that could be outfitted as the ER, operating room or intensive care unit - depending on the practice of the day.

Medical simulation labs have evolved over the years, from simple lifelike models of body parts that doctors train on to full-blown replications of hospital rooms where trainees can practice different situations. The Cedars-Sinai space strives to speed up trauma care by eliminating workflow disruptions and honing communication skills.

Los Angeles

Surgical faculty member Ken Catechpole, left, and Dept. surgeon, Johnny Thomas, right, dressed as Los Angeles Firefighters, carry a mannequin into the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles

Dr. Bruce Gewertz, Surgeon-in-Chief, showcases his Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Los Angeles

Armed with a $4 million grant from the Defense Department, doctors and nurses at Cedars-Sinai have been testing ways to improve trauma care by running simulations at the newly opened lab that has the feel of a tech startup.

Los Angeles

Surgeons train on a mannequin at the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Los Angeles

Dept. surgeon Johnny Thomas, left, and Ken Catechpole, surgical faculty member, carry a mannequin into the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Los Angeles

Surgical residents train on a mannequin at the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Los Angeles

Surgeons train on a mannequin at the Surgical Simulation and Training Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.