Surgical video analysis involves using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze surgical video footage. This practice, which includes both intraoperative and postoperative video analysis, has numerous benefits for patients, for surgeons and for other medical professionals as well.
We spoke with Asher Patinkin, one of the most knowledgeable experts in this field at RSIP Vision. He provided a full review of the most advanced AI and Computer Vision algorithms that can be used for surgical video analysis. Depending on the specific requirements, Deep Learning algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), RNNs can be trained on large datasets of surgical video footage to perform tasks such as object detection, tracking, segmentation, and activity recognition, as follows:
Object Detection – Asher points out that Algorithms like YOLO, Faster R-CNN, SSD (Single Shot Detector) and RetinaNet help identify specific objects or instruments within surgical video footage, such as surgical tools, implants, or anatomical structures.
Tracking – Here we distinguish between traditional algorithms (like Kalman Filter, Mean Shift, Particle Filter) and more recent Deep Learning algorithms, which follow the movement of objects or instruments within the surgical video footage over time, allowing for analysis of the trajectory and motion of these objects.
Pose Estimation – Pose estimation and Mask R-CNN allow to estimate the position and orientation of instruments or anatomical structures within the surgical field, allowing for analysis of surgical technique and instrument placement.
Segmentation – Asher says that U-Net, Mask R-CNN, FCN separate objects or instruments within the surgical field from the surrounding environment, allowing for more precise analysis of their movements and interactions.
Activity Recognition – It is Asher’s opinion that Transformers and 3D CNN enable to identify and classify specific surgical actions or tasks performed within the surgical field, allowing for analysis of surgical workflow and technique.
RSIP Vision’s AI experts and engineers have both the knowledge and the experience to respond to your specific needs in Video Analysis of surgeries and all medical procedures with AI.
Surgical RSIP