NEW YORK: A software platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) named PreSize could transform the treatment of brain aneurysms, outperforming experienced neurosurgeons in accurately placing stents. Brain aneurysms, characterized by weak or thin spots on vessel walls in the brain that fill with blood, can be life-threatening if they burst. Stents, mesh tubes that divert blood flow to prevent aneurysm rupture, are commonly used in treatment but require precise placement to avoid complications.
Currently, there is significant uncertainty in stent placement, leading to potential complications such as detachment or vessel rupture. PreSize, developed by Oxford Heartbeat, offers a solution by providing an accurate digital image of the patient’s brain and creating “digital twins” that mimic real stent behavior. These simulations predict the outcomes of placing specific devices in particular locations, allowing surgeons to make informed decisions in the operating room.
Dr. Katerina Spranger, the founder of Oxford Heartbeat, explained that even a fraction of a millimeter can impact the success of a surgery. PreSize’s ability to model different stents and their potential outcomes in real-time enhances the precision of the procedure significantly.
PreSize Use for Brain Aneurysm Treatment
PreSize has been utilized in operations involving 375 patients across hospitals in England, Scotland, Germany, Finland, and Ukraine. Initial research demonstrates its superiority over human clinicians, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of 95%, compared to the 81% accuracy rate of human clinicians, as indicated in a study published in the BMJ Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) recognizes the immense potential of AI technologies in accelerating diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Collaborative efforts between NIHR and the NHS AI Lab aim to gather essential evidence to enable the widespread adoption of such transformative technologies within the healthcare sector.
Dr. Spranger emphasized the importance of rigorous testing and accountability in adopting AI-driven solutions in healthcare, highlighting the need for transparency and trust-building measures within the medical community.
