Maria Shepherd, President and Founder, Medi-Vantage08.15.18
In their most simple form, AI applications in healthcare consist of a collection of technologies that will enable machines to sense, comprehend, predict, act, and learn. The first application for AI-based machines, as discussed at the World Medical Innovation Forum (held in April 2018), is to execute healthcare administrator and clinical healthcare functions. Current technologies are limited because they are algorithm based. The future of AI will make the leap past algorithm-only tools to become indispensable instruments for patients, providers, physicians, and payers. AI has the potential to truly augment human activity.
Why This Is Important
The potential to drive improvements in quality, cost, and access has made AI a notable buzzword in healthcare. The AI health market is growing rapidly and is forecasted to reach $6.6 billion by 20211 (Table 1).
Table 1: Forecasted health AI market size1
AI Applications in Orthopedics
AI has demonstrated high utility in classifying non-medical images. A study2 looked at the feasibility of using AI for skeletal radiographs. The study authors compared an AI program against the radiography gold standard for fractures. They also compared the performance of the AI program with two orthopedic surgeons who reviewed the same images. They found the AI program had an accuracy of at least 90 percent when identifying laterality, body part, and exam view. AI also performed comparably to the senior orthopedic surgeons’ image reviews. The study outcomes support the use of AI in orthopedic radiographs. While the current AI technology does not provide important features surgeons need, such as advanced measurements, classifications, and the ability to combine multiple exam views, these are technical details that can be worked out in future iterations for the orthopedic surgeon community.
AI in Computer-Assisted Navigation3
Orthopedic surgeons have had access to robotic technology to help them position screws, prostheses, or tunnels for some time, but AI enhanced applications are in development (Table 2). For example, one device utilizes infrared light to locate bones intraoperatively. Another technology uses a form of AI to mill the canal for a prosthesis based on CT scans. In total hip surgery, computer assistance in placing the cup of the prosthesis is reported to have the same accuracy as with traditional methods. In the realm of knee replacement surgery, AI-supplemented robotics technology assists to align prostheses. In spine surgery, AI-enhanced computer-assisted navigation helps surgeons avoid neurovascular structures, and place thoracic and lumbar pedicle screws accurately. It is reported that the incidence of poorly placed screws has reached 42 percent with conventional surgical techniques, according to some studies, but is as low as 10 percent with AI-based computer assistance.
Table 2: Estimated future value of top 10 AI applications1
We Have Needed a Tool Like AI for a Long Time
AI will change the way healthcare work is performed. AI will fill the gaps we all know are coming in the future, such as the labor shortage in healthcare (Table 3). Through AI, we will empower clinicians and give workers tools to increase their productivity. Healthcare institutions will need an AI-trained workforce and culture. Think of the value your products will bring with AI and the ability to gain clinician face-time and recognition as they use AI to enhance efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
Table 3: AI can address future unmet clinical demand (2026)1,4
The Medi-Vantage Perspective
In almost every strategy research project we manage, when we look at adjacent technologies in consumer markets, we see AI being utilized again and again. Our strategy research helps clients understand the opportunity to integrate AI technology into their product strategies. Someday, even the most common medical devices will have an AI component.
References
Maria Shepherd has more than 20 years of leadership experience in medical device/life-science marketing in both small startups and top-tier companies. After her industry career, including her role as vice president of marketing for Oridion Medical where she boosted the company valuation prior to its acquisition by Covidien/Medtronic, director of marketing for Philips Medical, and senior management roles at Boston Scientific Corp., she founded Medi-Vantage. Medi-Vantage provides marketing and business strategy as well as innovation research for the medical device industry. The firm quantitatively and qualitatively sizes and segments opportunities, evaluates new technologies, provides marketing services, and assesses prospective acquisitions. Shepherd has taught marketing and product development courses and is a member of the Aligo Medtech Investment Committee (www.msbiv.com). She can be reached at 855-343-3100, ext. 102, or at mshepherd@medi-vantage.com. Visit her website at www.medi-vantage.com.
Why This Is Important
The potential to drive improvements in quality, cost, and access has made AI a notable buzzword in healthcare. The AI health market is growing rapidly and is forecasted to reach $6.6 billion by 20211 (Table 1).
Table 1: Forecasted health AI market size1
AI Applications in Orthopedics
AI has demonstrated high utility in classifying non-medical images. A study2 looked at the feasibility of using AI for skeletal radiographs. The study authors compared an AI program against the radiography gold standard for fractures. They also compared the performance of the AI program with two orthopedic surgeons who reviewed the same images. They found the AI program had an accuracy of at least 90 percent when identifying laterality, body part, and exam view. AI also performed comparably to the senior orthopedic surgeons’ image reviews. The study outcomes support the use of AI in orthopedic radiographs. While the current AI technology does not provide important features surgeons need, such as advanced measurements, classifications, and the ability to combine multiple exam views, these are technical details that can be worked out in future iterations for the orthopedic surgeon community.
AI in Computer-Assisted Navigation3
Orthopedic surgeons have had access to robotic technology to help them position screws, prostheses, or tunnels for some time, but AI enhanced applications are in development (Table 2). For example, one device utilizes infrared light to locate bones intraoperatively. Another technology uses a form of AI to mill the canal for a prosthesis based on CT scans. In total hip surgery, computer assistance in placing the cup of the prosthesis is reported to have the same accuracy as with traditional methods. In the realm of knee replacement surgery, AI-supplemented robotics technology assists to align prostheses. In spine surgery, AI-enhanced computer-assisted navigation helps surgeons avoid neurovascular structures, and place thoracic and lumbar pedicle screws accurately. It is reported that the incidence of poorly placed screws has reached 42 percent with conventional surgical techniques, according to some studies, but is as low as 10 percent with AI-based computer assistance.
Table 2: Estimated future value of top 10 AI applications1
We Have Needed a Tool Like AI for a Long Time
AI will change the way healthcare work is performed. AI will fill the gaps we all know are coming in the future, such as the labor shortage in healthcare (Table 3). Through AI, we will empower clinicians and give workers tools to increase their productivity. Healthcare institutions will need an AI-trained workforce and culture. Think of the value your products will bring with AI and the ability to gain clinician face-time and recognition as they use AI to enhance efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
Table 3: AI can address future unmet clinical demand (2026)1,4
The Medi-Vantage Perspective
In almost every strategy research project we manage, when we look at adjacent technologies in consumer markets, we see AI being utilized again and again. Our strategy research helps clients understand the opportunity to integrate AI technology into their product strategies. Someday, even the most common medical devices will have an AI component.
References
- http://bit.ly/odt180701
- http://bit.ly/odt180702
- http://bit.ly/odt180703 [PDF]
- http://bit.ly/odt180704
Maria Shepherd has more than 20 years of leadership experience in medical device/life-science marketing in both small startups and top-tier companies. After her industry career, including her role as vice president of marketing for Oridion Medical where she boosted the company valuation prior to its acquisition by Covidien/Medtronic, director of marketing for Philips Medical, and senior management roles at Boston Scientific Corp., she founded Medi-Vantage. Medi-Vantage provides marketing and business strategy as well as innovation research for the medical device industry. The firm quantitatively and qualitatively sizes and segments opportunities, evaluates new technologies, provides marketing services, and assesses prospective acquisitions. Shepherd has taught marketing and product development courses and is a member of the Aligo Medtech Investment Committee (www.msbiv.com). She can be reached at 855-343-3100, ext. 102, or at mshepherd@medi-vantage.com. Visit her website at www.medi-vantage.com.
