Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Endovascular Neurosurgery

Abstract

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in endovascular neurosurgery promises to transform neurovascular care. We present a review of the recently published neurosurgical literature on artificial intelligence and robotics in endovascular neurosurgery to provide insights into the current advances and applications of this technology.The PubMed database was searched for "neurosurgery" OR "endovascular" OR "interventional" AND "robotics" OR "artificial intelligence" between January 2016 and August 2021. A total of 1296 articles were identified, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 38 manuscripts were selected for review and analysis. These manuscripts were divided into four categories: 1) robotics and AI for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular pathology, 2) robotics and AI for the treatment of cerebrovascular pathology, 3) robotics and AI for training in neuroendovascular procedures, and 4) robotics and AI for clinical outcome optimization.The 38 articles presented include 23 articles on AI-based diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, 10 articles on AI-based treatment of cerebrovascular disease, two articles on AI-based training techniques for neuroendovascular procedures, and three articles reporting AI prediction models of clinical outcomes in vascular disorders of the brain. Innovation with robotics and AI focus on diagnostic efficiency, optimizing treatment and interventional procedures, improving physician procedural performance, and predicting clinical outcomes with the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. Experimental studies with robotic systems have demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating cerebrovascular disorders, and novel microcatheterization techniques may permit access to deeper brain regions. Other studies show that preprocedural simulations increase overall physician performance. Artificial intelligence also shows superiority over existing statistical tools in predicting clinical outcomes.The recent advances and current usage of robotics and AI in the endovascular neurosurgery field suggest that the collaboration between physicians and machines has a bright future for the improvement of patient care. The aim of this work is to equip the medical readership, in particular the neurosurgical specialty, with tools to better understand and apply findings from research on artificial intelligence and robotics in endovascular neurosurgery.

The future of artificial intelligence in neurosurgery: A narrative review

“…In endovascular procedures, AI is limited due to the lack of haptic feedback. [ 7 ] AI can be used extensively for surgeries with advancing age, but a clinician’s endorsement is still required. [ 8 ] Doctors would be required to train in computer sciences to be able to analyze and better use the data and the AI systems.…”

Current and future applications of artificial intelligence in surgery: implications for clinical practice and research

“…This personalized approach enables access to a wide range of learning resources and offers insights to educators about how students are learning from their experiences ( 9 ). AI technology has the potential to optimize surgical practice, improve patient outcomes, and overcome barriers related to gender disparity in surgical training and education ( 10 ). Furthermore, the integration of AI in surgical education allows for the development of novel technology-enhanced learning platforms with personalized remote feedback, enhancing the overall learning experience ( 11 ).…”

The Utility of Multimodal Imaging and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Overlying Two Volumes in the Decision Chain for the Treatment of Complex Pathologies in Interventional Neuroradiology—A Case Series Study

“…Experimental studies with artificial intelligence systems have demonstrated their efficacy and safety in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular malformations [ 2 ]. Pre-procedural simulations also increase the average performance of the interventionist physician.…”