The Transformative Impact of AI, Extended Reality, and Robotics in Interventional Radiology: Current Trends and...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Digital Health Technologies
• Medical Innovation

Background:

• Interventional Radiology (IR) integrates advanced imaging and minimally-invasive procedures.
• Digital Health Technologies (DHTs), including AI, robotics, and XR, are transforming healthcare.
• IR's reliance on technology makes it a prime area for DHT integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of DHTs on Interventional Radiology.
• To highlight the potential of AI, robotics, and XR in enhancing IR precision, efficiency, and outcomes.
• To address the challenges in standardizing DHT implementation in IR.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of publication trends related to DHTs in IR since 2016.
• Comparative analysis of DHT publication growth rates in IR versus surgery.
• Review of the transformative effects and challenges of DHTs in IR.

Main Results:

• A consistent increase in DHT-related publications in IR since 2016.
• Significantly higher growth rates for AI (69%), XR (94%), and robotics (192%) studies in IR compared to surgery.
• Identification of a lack of standardization and clinical consensus on DHT use in IR.

Conclusions:

• DHTs are revolutionizing Interventional Radiology, offering enhanced precision and efficiency.
• Standardization and clinical consensus are crucial for optimal DHT integration in IR.
• DHTs should augment, not replace, IR practitioners to improve clinical and procedural practice.