AI-based Cardiac Surgery Support Tool

Use Case:

Development and testing of a video-based classifier to assist cardiac surgeons in evaluating heart conditions during open-chest surgery enhancing diagnosis and reducing intraoperative uncertainty.

Outcome:

Successful validation of the beta version in a lab environment; Creation of classifiers for multiple procedures (CABG, ToF, HHS, LVAD, Transplantation); Feasibility confirmed for in-theater AI integration; Presentation to cardiac surgeons initiated at the Medical University of Graz; Foundations laid for future 3D dataset expansion and improved predictive performance.

Ecosystem Support:

StairwAI mentoring and funding; technical mentorship from AI experts at UNIBO; facilitated collaboration with hospitals for real-world integration.

AI Relevance:

This case exemplifies AI-driven enhancement in clinical decision-making through: I) vision-based real-time support in high-stakes environments; II) human-centered design for surgical contexts; III) scalable model architecture for rare and complex pathologies; IV) strategy for ethical deployment of AI in healthcare.

Summary:

JEM TECH SRL, a technology-driven SME based in Italy, successfully advanced the development of DETECTORS, an AI-powered platform designed to support cardiac surgeons during complex surgical procedures. By leveraging computer vision and 3D heart video recordings, the tool provides real-time classification of conditions such as Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), Hypoplastic Heart Syndrome (HHS), Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), and heart transplantation. The AI models were validated in a lab setting, achieving TRL 4, and an initial beta test demonstrated their feasibility for clinical use. A significant milestone was reached through engagement with the Medical University of Graz, a leading center in cardiac research, which expressed interest in collaborating for clinical evaluation. The business model, grounded in subscription licensing, targets the global market of over 5,000 cardiac surgery centers. Strategic partnerships with hospitals and insurance companies are being established to ensure uptake and long-term viability. DETECTORS sets a new benchmark in the use of AI to enhance precision and reliability in cardiac diagnostics, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency in surgical environments.