Video: Doctors use iPhones in the operating room

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SEATTLE - iPhones have a new use that has nothing to do with calling or e-mailing.

Today they're helping young patients headed for surgery.

Six-year-old Bobbi Looney's mother, grandfather and grandmother felt nervous before her surgery.

"Trying to stay brave, but I know the needle's coming," said Elveda Richards, her grandmother.

Bobbie was set to undergo a tonsillectomy and ear tube surgery.  

"Those doctors are going to check on my ear," she said.

The hardest part is when she leaves for the operating room. Most young children haven't been able to do that without being given a sedative.

Then the iPhone came on the scene.

"Since I've been using it for six months now, I've done over 450 children using this technology. And I've reduced my use of the sedative drug by over 85 percent," said Dr. Daniel Low, University of Washington assistant professor of anesthesia

Low came up with the idea. He saw how his own two kids reacted to iPhones.

"When I bought the iPhone when it first came out they were watching movies on it and they didn't seem to ever hear me talk to them," he said.

And when a child is calm, loved ones are relieved.

If Bobbi can go under anesthesia without being pre-medicated there's a big benefit.

"After the surgery they'll wake up much smoother. They're less drowsy when they wake up and they go home much quicker," Low said.

KING

Seattle Children's Hospital may be the only facility using the iPhone to help kids go into surgery.

So with a skilled anesthesiologist, and an engaging movie, she soon drifted off.

Dr. Low says the iPhones don't interfere with medical equipment, they can be easily sanitized, and even better, no child has thrown one yet.

Bobbi's surgeon said she came through surgery with flying colors.

So far Seattle Children's Hospital may be the only facility using the iPhone innovation for kids.