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Using a symbiotic man/machine approach to evaluating visual clinical research data
J M Long1, E A Irani, D W Hunter
1University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455.
Journal of Medical Systems
|October 1, 1988
Summary
This study introduces ESCA, an expert system for analyzing coronary angiograms, demonstrating that visual medical tasks can be automated. The symbiotic human-machine approach yields consistent, cost-effective results comparable to expert panels.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging Analysis
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
- Expert Systems
Background:
- Expert systems are often overlooked for medical applications with visual components.
- Evaluating serial coronary angiograms presents significant visual challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of expert systems in visually complex medical domains.
- To develop a partially automated system for evaluating serial coronary angiograms.
- To improve consistency and cost-effectiveness in angiogram analysis.
Main Methods:
- Development of ESCA, an expert system for coronary angiogram evaluation.
- Implementation of a symbiotic human-machine approach.
- Integration of technologists' visual skills with the expert system's conceptual imitation.
Main Results:
- The ESCA system achieved good agreement with a panel of medical experts.
- The partially automated system proved more consistent and cost-effective than manual methods.
- ESCA demonstrated a higher agreement rate with experts than inter-expert agreement.
Conclusions:
- Expert systems are viable for visually intensive medical diagnostic tasks.
- A symbiotic approach enhances the capabilities of medical expert systems.
- ESCA offers a promising alternative for consistent and efficient coronary angiogram analysis.
