Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify Key Structures During Ear and Skull Base Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are developing an artificial intelligence AI system to identify key anatomical landmarks during otolaryngological surgeries, such as mastoidectomy and other procedures involving the temporal bone. The goal is to enable real-time tracking of critical structures like the incus and lateral semicircular canal to help surgeons avoid damaging important areas during operations. This observational study focuses on improving surgical safety and precision by using AI technology. The AI system uses annotated data points from surgical videos to recognize and segment the incus, lateral semicircular canal, facial nerve, and facial nerve recess based on their positions relative to surrounding tissues. The model enhances images with contrast adjustment and localized magnification, then classifies and locates these structures continuously during surgery. It also applies statistical analysis to predict the facial recesss location to provide useful guidance for surgeons and improves accuracy through ongoing training. Participants undergoing otolaryngological surgeries with microscope exposure of the temporal bone will have their surgeries recorded and analyzed. The study collects high-resolution temporal bone CT scans and surgical video data to assess the AI models accuracy. Researchers will monitor relevant indicators of the AI models performance throughout the study period, as well as during the week from hospital admission to discharge. This study will help evaluate how well AI can assist in identifying important surgical landmarks in real time.

AI Recognition of Important Structures in Otolaryngological Surgery