LUMC is developing artificial intelligence (AI) that support prostate cancer surgeries. The AI complements the use of surgery and 3D imaging, and helps surgeons operate more effectively.
Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men; almost one in five new cancer diagnoses in men is prostate cancer. For some time now, surgeons have been using a special robot to detect both cancer cells and any metastases from these cells. To do this, they use a radioactive substance administered through an infusion. This substance makes tumour metastases in lymph nodes visible.
Locating radioactive signal with probe
During surgery, the surgeon uses a small detector - also called a drop-in gamma probe - to locate the radioactive signal in the glands, and convert it to a 3D image. An operating robot operates the gamma probe, while the surgeon controls the operating robot using joysticks. The robot's movements in the patient's abdomen are thereby visible in real time on a 3D screen.
The new AI programme developed by LUMC gives more insight into how surgeons deal with such new technology. In doing so, the AI closely monitors the surgeon's actions during surgery. With the aim of increasing the efficiency with which operations are performed. The AI works with the help of video.
Tracking probe position
The study was led by researcher Samaneh Azargoshasb from LUMC's radiology department. "Based on video footage, we trained an AI system to track the position of the probe during surgery. The route the probe takes inside the patient gives us all kinds of information about its use, such as the speed and jerky movements," Azargoshasb explains.
The AI system helps surgeons evaluate the operation afterwards. "With that, AI helps surgeons operate more efficiently. And more importantly, it increases surgical precision. Things that benefit the patient."
Possibly deployable for other cancers too
In time, LUMC hopes to use the AI to support operations of other cancers as well. As long as the operation is filmed and a drop-in probe is used, the AI model could potentially be used. "Right now, we still do the video analysis after surgery. Our ultimate goal is to provide feedback to the surgeon during surgery," says Azargoshasb. The AI analysis system can also help surgeons in training, reports LUMC.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: Fernando Zhiminaicela via Pixabay
