A team of researchers at the Florida Agricultural and Medical University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering has developed an artificial intelligence tool set to revolutionize surgical training. Spearheaded by Suvranu De, an Indian American professor and the Google-endowed dean of the college, this innovative project focuses on improving surgeons’ skills through a sophisticated AI-powered video assessment tool.
The video-based assessment network (VBA-Net), created under De’s guidance, employs state-of-the-art deep learning models to evaluate surgical abilities. This research, recently published in JAMA Surgery, a medical journal of the American Medical Association, holds significant promise for enhancing surgical education and patient outcomes. De explained the initiative’s impact, stating, “The more training and feedback surgeons-in-training receive, the more their skills will improve. We have established a cutting-edge video-based assessment network that is a major step in the direction of automating the evaluation of surgical skills effectively.”
VBA-Net works by analyzing complete videos of surgical procedures, distinguishing between expert and novice performances. It provides real-time feedback and final scores to trainees, thus automating the typically subjective and time-intensive task of assessing surgical skills.
The platform utilizes deep neural network technology to offer aspiring surgeons personalized feedback, mirroring the complex functions of the human brain and enhancing learning by tailoring recommendations to individual needs. De noted, “This tool provides significant assistance to evaluators and has the potential to enhance consistency in assessments.” Additionally, the system integrates Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), which improves transparency and trust in AI decision-making processes for users.
Aligned with the American Board of Surgery’s initiative to integrate video-based assessments into surgical training, De’s work supports the goals of a pilot program launched in 2021. He collaborated with Erim Yanik, a postdoctoral researcher at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and Dr. Steven Schwaitzberg, chair of surgery at the Jacob’s School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo.
“Our ultimate aspiration is to enhance patient outcomes, save lives, and cultivate more well-trained surgeons in the future,” De remarked, emphasizing the potential life-saving impact of this groundbreaking technology.
De’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from Jadavpur University in India (1993), a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science (1995), and a doctorate from MIT (2001), all in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the editorial boards for five international journals and participates in various scientific committees. His numerous accolades include the ONR Young Investigator Award (2005), the James M. Tien ’66 Early Career Award for Faculty (2009), and the Edwin F. Church Medal from ASME (2022).
