Artificial Intelligence in Public Health: (Part 2) – Robotic Assisted Surgery and the Integration of AI

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in numerous fields, especially in healthcare. AI has broken through remote or telemedicine assisting providers with identifying diseases, diagnosis, and treatments (Introduction to AI and Telemedicine). One of the most groundbreaking applications of AI in healthcare is AI-assisted surgery. This technology is changing the landscape of medicine by enhancing the capabilities of surgeons and improving patient outcomes. While robotic assisted surgery is not new in healthcare, integrating AI into robotics has been a monumental leap improving surgical outcomes.  We will explore the fascinating world of AI-assisted surgery, its benefits, challenges, and the potential it holds for the future of healthcare.

The Rise of AI in Surgery

Surgery is a highly complex and delicate medical procedure that requires precision, skill, and experience. Surgeons are tasked with the responsibility of navigating through the human body to diagnose, treat, and remove various ailments. AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations in real-time, has emerged as a valuable tool in the hands of surgeons.

AI-assisted surgery encompasses a range of technologies, including robotic surgical systems, image recognition algorithms, machine learning models, and advanced data analytics. These tools provide surgeons with real-time information, enhance their decision-making processes, and offer a level of precision that was previously unattainable.

Virtual Reality – The Beginning

Around the 1960s, scientists were working on a way to transport a person’s presence or awareness into a different environment.  At the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a team of scientists developed a device that did just that (George, Brand, LaPorta, Marescaux, & Satava, 2018).  Similar to today’s virtual reality (VR) devices, NASA created a helmet that would go over the user’s head and display 3-dimentional (3D) images and the user would interact within the virtual environment.  Twenty years later, Jason Lanier, coined the term, virtual reality, and developed a device that resembles today’s VR headset.

Robot Assisted Surgery

Virtual Reality Headsets

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The concept and creation of VR became the foundation for the next innovation in surgery, robotic assisted surgery (RAS).  Using a screen, the surgeon can perform minimally invasive surgery (MIS) by making small incision on a patient use a camera and guide the surgical tools to perform the surgery needed on the patient (Kumar, et al., 2022).  RAS was a significant step in patient care, especially in cases that would take hours as it would reduce fatigue for the surgeon.  Decades after the da Vinci surgical robot was approved by the FDA, they are now being integrated with AI to further enhance their effectiveness.  Initial RAS are master-slave manipulators, piloted by surgeons, now with the integration of AI, these devices can observe the procedure and eliminate hand tremors and decrease fluctuations.

Key Benefits of AI-Assisted Surgery

• Enhanced Precision: AI-assisted surgery allows for precise and controlled movements, reducing the risk of human error. Robots and AI systems can perform repetitive tasks with incredible accuracy by improving dexterity of the robotic devices and leading to better surgical outcomes.
• Real-time Imaging: Advanced imaging technologies combined with AI can provide surgeons with real-time, high-definition 3D images of the surgical site. This aids in identifying and avoiding critical structures, reducing complications.
• Improved Decision Support: Machine learning algorithms analyze patient data, historical cases, and medical literature to provide surgeons with recommendations and insights during surgery. This aids in making informed decisions and adapting to unexpected challenges.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Robotic surgical systems, guided by AI, enable minimally invasive surgeries. Smaller incisions lead to shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and lower infection risks for patients.
• Telesurgery: AI-assisted surgery also facilitates remote or telesurgery, allowing expert surgeons to perform procedures on patients located in distant locations. This has the potential to bridge geographical gaps in healthcare access.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While AI-assisted surgery holds immense promise, it also comes with its set of challenges and ethical considerations:

• Cost: The implementation of AI-assisted surgical systems can be costly, limiting access in some healthcare settings.
• Data Privacy: Handling sensitive patient data for AI analysis raises concerns about privacy and security.
• Regulation: The regulatory framework for AI-assisted surgery is still evolving, requiring careful oversight to ensure patient safety.
• Training: Surgeons and healthcare professionals need to be adequately trained to use AI systems effectively.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Decisions about the level of autonomy AI systems should have during surgery and the liability for errors remain complex ethical dilemmas.

The Future of AI-Assisted Surgery

The future of AI-assisted surgery is bright, with ongoing advancements in technology and research. Here are some potential developments on the horizon:

• AI-powered Augmented Reality: Surgeons may use AR goggles that overlay vital information directly onto their field of view during surgery.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: AI will continue to improve by considering individual patient factors to create personalized treatment plans.
• Expanded Telesurgery: As 5G and other high-speed networks become more widespread, telesurgery could become more common, enabling global access to expert surgical care.
• AI-driven Remote Monitoring: Post-surgery, AI can assist in monitoring patients’ recovery, alerting healthcare providers to any concerning changes.

Conclusion

AI-assisted surgery is transforming the field of healthcare by enhancing the capabilities of surgeons and improving patient outcomes. While challenges and ethical considerations remain, the potential for this technology to revolutionize surgery and expand access to high-quality care is undeniable. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that will shape the future of surgery for the better.

Works Cited

• George, E. I., Brand, T. C., LaPorta, A., Marescaux, J., & Satava, R. M. (2018). Origins of Robotic Surgery: From Skepticism to Standard of Care. Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, 2-14.
• Kumar, P., Rammohan, R., Chavan, M., Ghyar, R., Deshpande, S., Kulkarni, J., . . . Ravi, B. (2022). Surgeon perception of factors affecting the efficiency of conventional and robotic laparoscopy: A Pan India study. Heliyon.