World first by Orsi Innotech – AI technology as GPS for robotic kidney cancer removal
Orsi Innotech, the innovation hub of Orsi Academy led by Dr. Ir. Pieter De Backer, has reached a significant technological milestone with the global debut of four advanced AI models, applied simultaneously during a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) performed by Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie at OLV Hospital in Aalst, Belgium. This technological breakthrough contributes to improved patient care, making surgeries safer and more efficient. This unique combination of AI technology and medical robotics was made possible through the use of NVIDIA’s IGX ORIN supercomputer.
The surgery, led by Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie, marks the first time worldwide that four AI models have been run simultaneously on a supercomputer during a surgical procedure. Until now, only one AI model was used at a time.
Orsi Innotech developed four AI models that played a groundbreaking role during the surgery:
- 1. Real-time organ segmentation: This model highlights various anatomical structures to help the surgeon navigate more quickly and accurately. It is highly valuable for both educational and teaching purposes as for complex operations.
- 2. Phase recognition: By automatically identifying the different phases of the surgery, this model helps the OR team anticipate and prepare the necessary materials in advance.
- 3. Real-time anonymization: This model ensures the privacy of the patient and OR team by automatically removing and anonymizing non-surgical footage captured by the endoscope.
- 4. Augmented reality with 3D models: Based on a preoperative CT scan, 3D models are projected as an additional layer over the live surgical image, providing extra insights and precision during the procedure.
More efficient, kidney-sparing surgery thanks to AI
Thanks to this combination of technologies, Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie was able to work with extreme precision and remove the tumor without clamping the blood supply to the kidney. This reduces the risk of organ damage, as the kidney remains supplied with blood and oxygen throughout the surgery. “Because the blood vessels don’t need to be clamped, the procedure is less invasive for the patient. This technological breakthrough contributes to improved patient care, making surgeries safer and more efficient,” said Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie.
The power of NVIDIA’s IGX ORIN Supercomputer
The surgery marks the first use of NVIDIA’s IGX ORIN supercomputer in a clinical setting. The supercomputer is specially designed for demanding AI applications and enabled the four AI models to run simultaneously, providing unprecedented computing power and responsiveness in the operating room.
International first during live demonstration
After this initial success at the OLV Hospital Aalst in Belgium, the technology of Orsi Innotech will be used for a second time during a live robot-assisted surgery broadcast at an international conference for top experts in AI in Bologna, Italy.
Future developments
The engineers at Orsi Innotech are committed to continuing innovation and expanding datasets to further improve the performance of the AI models. This world-first is just the beginning of a new phase in the development of AI-assisted surgery, with Orsi Innotech leading the way in shaping and transforming surgical care.