Combining AI and AR for Next-Generation Robotic Surgery (KEY IJP************593)

• Deepak Prajapat

Abstract

AI and AR together brought to life a revolution in the robotic surgery system of MIS at a level never before possible in terms of precision and visualization. Apart from some already accepted benefits of robotic surgery, such as the fact that patients recover rapidly and fewer incisions are made during surgery, it has the added advantage in that it can be used to perform real-time decision support through AI when analyzing complex imaging data. This same machine can automatically identify anatomical structures, help draw boundaries of tumors, and indicate the best pathways for cutting that will enhance the surgeon's specific dexterous maneuvers to an improved degree of accuracy.At the same time, it is quite useful for surgeons to apply AR technology to visualize spatial relationships in the surgical field by overlaying 3D models of anatomy on the anatomy of patients. All this makes it possible for the surgeon to move more cautiously with much greater self-confidence around critical structures like blood vessels and nerves, which reduces the risk of complicating surgery. The capacity of AR to display precise preoperative models directly onto the dynamic surgical scene provides an immersive experience that will afford surgeons higher depth perception and will apply to complex procedures such as spinal fusions and liver resections. However, the significant challenges remain in the form of instrument occlusion. Among the issues in AR-assisted surgery, there is the virtual overlay that obscures important surgical instruments from the surgeon's view, thereby interfering with precision during critical steps of surgery. This paper comes forth with an innovative AI-based technique on real-time disocclusion in surgery with efficacy through algorithms for binary segmentation that differentiate between non-organic surgical items and the overlay while guaranteeing visibility of the instrument.This work is one among many contributions toward a burgeoning field that is computer-assisted surgery, reminding the reader of the importance AI and AR need in reshaping surgical practices and an improvement in standard care within operating rooms across the world.This paper attempts to provide a holistic view of the methods, results, and future directions of AI and AR in robotic surgery. The study will open the door for the next generation of inventive approaches that would coalesce AIAR in a more significant way by overcoming certain key challenges, especially those linked to occlusion of instruments while demonstrating clinical applicability of such advanced technologies.