The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Thoracic Surgery
Alexander Pohlman1, Zaid M Abdelsattar2
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA; Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood; Department of Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving within thoracic surgery. However, these novel and helpful tools are not used to their full potential. In this context, we provide an overview of the basics of AI and its applications in thoracic surgery. Current AI uses in thoracic surgery include preoperative evaluation and diagnosis, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative prognosis-prediction and pathologic diagnosis to improve accuracy and safety in all phases of care. Most of this research encompasses lung cancer and esophageal cancer, but there is a lot of potential for their use along the continuum of thoracic diseases.
