Requirement of artificial intelligence technology awareness for thoracic surgeons

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of computer-based and AI-dependent technologies in daily life.
• AI and robotics demonstrate potential to match or exceed human accuracy in specific tasks.
• AI is transforming healthcare by integrating diverse digital data sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform thoracic surgical specialists about the evolving role of AI.
• To review AI terminology, current applications, challenges, and future potential in thoracic surgery.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current literature on AI in thoracic surgery.
• Key AI applications, including imaging and data interpretation, are discussed.
• The review examines the limitations and future prospects of AI in the field.

Main Results:

• Current AI applications in thoracic surgery primarily focus on interpreting imaging, histopathology, and physiological data.
• AI and autonomous robots are not yet capable of performing or surpassing current human thoracic surgical procedures.
• Significant challenges and limitations exist for widespread AI implementation in thoracic surgery.

Conclusions:

• Awareness of AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial for thoracic surgical specialists.
• Further research and development are needed to explore AI's potential in surgical applications.
• AI is a rapidly advancing field with the potential to impact thoracic surgery in the future.