Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Artificial and Biomimetic Intelligence in Vascular Surgery and Peripheral Artery Disease

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) made its first appearance in 1956, and since then it has progressively introduced itself in healthcare systems and patients' information and care. AI functions can be grouped under the following headings: Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Computer Vision (CV). Biomimetic intelligence (BI) applies the principles of systems of nature to create biological algorithms, such as genetic and neural network, to be used in different scenarios. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) represents the last stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and has increased over recent years, together with the rise in prevalence of diabetes and population ageing. Nowadays, AI and BI grant the possibility of developing new diagnostic and treatment solutions in the vascular field, given the possibility of accessing clinical, biological, and imaging data. By assessing the vascular anatomy in every patient, as well as the burden of atherosclerosis, and classifying the level and degree of disease, sizing and planning the best endovascular treatment, defining the perioperative complications risk, integrating experiences and resources between different specialties, identifying latent PAD, thus offering evidence-based solutions and guiding surgeons in the choice of the best surgical technique, AI and BI challenge the role of the physician's experience in PAD treatment.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; artificial neural network; biomimetic intelligence; convolutional neural network; peripheral arterial disease; vascular surgery.

Figure 1

Search results for terms “Artificial Intelligence-AI” and “Biomimetic Intelligence-BI” on major web and medical search engines in June 2024.

Figure 2

SimNet flow-field simulation according to geometry of an intracranial aneurysm. Reproduced with permission by Olexandre Isayev.

Figure 3

ATLAS, the humanoid robot developed by BostonDynamics, Inc. (www.bostondynamics.com, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA; URL accessed on 3 July 2024) has advanced human capabilities and lifelike movements.

Figure 4

BrAInomix^® is a dedicated AI-based software that is able to rapidly analyze brain CT to calculate ASPECTS score, perfusion brain CT to calculate penumbra and core ischemia, and angio-CT to calculate ischemic areas and collateral pathways.