The Role of AI in Improving Surgical Outcomes: Intraoperative Assistance and Guidance (Part 3)

Millions of lives are saved each day thanks to surgery, a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of surgeons around the world. Yet, even the most skilled hands can encounter unforeseen complications.? Did you know the World Health Organization estimates that 10% of preventable healthcare deaths occur in surgery?

This week, we dive into the surgical arena itself, where AI is finding its place in real-time surgical procedures. No, we’re not talking about surgeries done with autonomous medical bots — that future is far away. Instead, imagine surgeons collaborating with AI during surgery, unlocking possibilities to achieve breakthroughs and improve surgical safety.

AI as a Tool for Visualization and Guidance

AI's amazing ability to analyze images and data is being harnessed in surgical guidance systems. These systems provide real-time feedback to surgeons, offering valuable support during operating procedures.

A combination of computer vision, machine learning, and real-time data analysis are used by these systems to identify anatomical structures or create visual overlays that can show things like body parts, tools, or even potential complications.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Hospital devised a new system that uses AI to help surgeons during cataract surgery. This AI system analyzed live surgery videos and provided surgeons with data through a graphic overlay. The system tracked the patient’s pupil and correctly identified what stage the surgery was at over 95% of the time. Despite the relatively small pool of eleven cataract surgeons participating in the study, the system was unanimously praised for its benefits.

By leveraging real-time data analysis and computer vision, these types of AI applications on the surgical floor offer surgeons invaluable real-time feedback. Think of this as a quick and highly accurate second opinion to validate the surgeon’s work.

AI as a Surgery Safety Net

A high level of competency is crucial for ensuring optimal outcomes in surgery. Of course, adverse incidents happen, and studies show that 14% of occurrences are either fatal or cause severe complications. What’s interesting is five percent of cases were considered preventable, which highlights the role of surgical expertise in reducing the potential harm to a patient’s health.

A journal published in the National Library of Medicine reviewed 13 successful studies that used different AI models to provide real-time warnings against bleeding, blood vessel injury, thermal damage, and other potential complications. The results, while highly accurate, represent a bigger opportunity to standardize ways to define, compile, and report surgical complications. Before we can expect widespread adoption of these types of systems, there's a need for both larger datasets and more consistent testing methods.? However, the pace at which AI gets better and more accurate tells us that it is poised to create breakthroughs in surgical safety.

AI as a Hands-on Surgeon

Robots like da Vinci and Mako have been used on the surgical floor for some time now. But in their current iteration, they largely exist as extensions of the surgeon’s hands, still requiring operator feedback and lacking complete autonomy. But there have certainly been strides made in fully autonomous surgical procedures —? just not on humans.

Just two years ago, a robot named STAR, or the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot, successfully performed laparoscopic surgery on a pig for the first time without human intervention. Although the feat of autonomously suturing a pig’s intestines together is quite the feat, it took multiple iterations under controlled conditions before they got it right.

The future of AI doing hands-on procedures will likely start with less delicate tasks that are meant to share the load with the surgeon, like closing a port site or tying a knot. Nevertheless, the road ahead is one filled with more testing and more importantly, discussions on ethics.

The Future of Surgery: Human Expertise and AI Assistance

The potential for AI to revolutionize surgery is undeniable. While the dream of fully autonomous robots performing complex procedures remains on the horizon, AI's role as a real-time surgical assistant is already taking shape.

Soon, surgeons will have access to AI-powered guidance systems that offer real-time visualization and detection of potential complications. This isn't science fiction — research in AI-powered surgical guidance systems is already yielding promising results.

The future of surgery lies in a collaborative approach.? AI will not replace the irreplaceable skill and judgment of human surgeons but rather act as a powerful tool for enhanced visualization, improved decision-making, and ultimately, better patient outcomes.

Modality Global Advisors is committed to staying at the forefront of utilizing breakthrough technologies such as AI to optimize healthcare delivery. We invite you to connect with us to explore how these advancements might shape the future of healthcare for your organization.