Vestibular Function in Vestibular Schwannoma

Abstract Introduction: Traditionally vestibular function has been assessed using caloric irrigations; new methods have failed to reach the same level of accuracy. Vestibular nerve dysfunction occurs with ‘acoustic neuroma’ or ‘vestibular schwannoma. Quantitative testing of hearing by audiometry is much more widely available than quantitative vestibular testing, although consideration of vestibular dysfunction is part of clinical management. Validation of a new method of quantitative vestibular function testing could lead to more widespread integration into clinical practice and affect decision making (i.e. timing of surgery) Methods: A non-blind observational cohort study was undertaken in 31 participants. Study endpoints were either one or two separate participant measures in March/April 2013 the September/October 13. All participants underwent caloric and head impulse testing with video-oculography, while 10 underwent audiometric assessment. Repeat testing was performed for 10 subjects, including additional cognitive. The primary outcome was vestibular function test measures. Results: Video head impulse was strongly correlated with calorics (p=0.01) and showed good sensitivity (80%) and specificity (70%). Dizziness Handicap Inventory showed no correlation with other vestibular function measures. Participants showed reduced cognitive function tested using the CANTAB battery (p=0.01) Conclusion: Video head impulse testing is comparable to caloric testing to assess vestibular function. Vestibular lesions may lead to cognitive deficits. Further research is needed to better understand the role of video head impulse testing in vestibular schwannoma

3D visualization systems improve operator efficiency during difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective blinded review of surgical videos

Background: 3D visualisation systems in laparoscopic surgery have been proposed to improve manual task handling compared to 2D, however, few studies have compared the intra-operative efficacy in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this study is to determine if there is a benefit in intra-operative efficiency when using a 3D visualisation in difficult LC compared to traditional 2D visualisation systems. Methods: Retrospective analysis of “difficult” LCs (grade 3 or 4) was completed. The assessor was blinded as all cases were recorded and viewed in 2D only. Variables collected included time to complete steps, missed hook diathermy attempts, failed grasp attempts, missed clip attempts and preparation steps for intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC). Multiple linear regression was undertaken for time variables, Poisson regression or negative binomial regression was completed for continuous variables. Results: 52 operative videos of “difficult” LC were reviewed. 3D systems were associated with reduced operative times, although this was not statistically significant (CI: -2.93-14.93, p-value=0.183). Dissection of the anterior fold to achieve the critical view of safety was significantly faster by 3.55 minutes (CI: 1.215-9.206, p-value=0.002), and with considerably fewer errors when using 3D systems. Fewer IOC preparation errors were observed with a 3D system compared with a 2D system. Conclusions: 3D systems appear to enhance operator efficiency, allowing faster completion of critical steps with fewer errors. This pilot study underscores the utility of video annotation for intra-operative assessment and suggests that, in larger multi-centre studies, 3D systems may demonstrate superior intra-operative efficiency over 2D systems during a “difficult” LC

Vestibular Function in Vestibular Schwannoma

Abstract Introduction: Traditionally vestibular function has been assessed using caloric irrigations; new methods have failed to reach the same level of accuracy. Vestibular nerve dysfunction occurs with ‘acoustic neuroma’ or ‘vestibular schwannoma. Quantitative testing of hearing by audiometry is much more widely available than quantitative vestibular testing, although consideration of vestibular dysfunction is part of clinical management. Validation of a new method of quantitative vestibular function testing could lead to more widespread integration into clinical practice and affect decision making (i.e. timing of surgery) Methods: A non-blind observational cohort study was undertaken in 31 participants. Study endpoints were either one or two separate participant measures in March/April 2013 the September/October 13. All participants underwent caloric and head impulse testing with video-oculography, while 10 underwent audiometric assessment. Repeat testing was performed for 10 subjects, including additional cognitive. The primary outcome was vestibular function test measures. Results: Video head impulse was strongly correlated with calorics (p=0.01) and showed good sensitivity (80%) and specificity (70%). Dizziness Handicap Inventory showed no correlation with other vestibular function measures. Participants showed reduced cognitive function tested using the CANTAB battery (p=0.01) Conclusion: Video head impulse testing is comparable to caloric testing to assess vestibular function. Vestibular lesions may lead to cognitive deficits. Further research is needed to better understand the role of video head impulse testing in vestibular schwannoma

Operative difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: considering the role of machine learning platforms in clinical practice

Aim: Computer vision is a subset of machine learning (ML) technology that allows automated analysis of large operative video datasets. The aim of this study was to use a commercially available ML-driven platform to evaluate a subjective grading of operative difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: Patients undergoing LC prospectively consented, and their operations were recorded. The intra-operative findings were prospectively graded (1-4) based on intraoperative gallbladder appearance assessments. Deidentified videos were uploaded to Touch SurgeryTMand run through the platform’s algorithm, providing automated analytics including the total operative length and operative phase length. The rate of critical view of safety (CVS) achievement was also included in the analysis. Results: 206 LC were included. 27 LC were excluded due to incomplete video recording and were therefore not amenable to the final data analysis. Grade 1 and 2 patients had significantly shorter operative time than grade 3 and 4 patients [17min and 53s (IQR 15min and 24s- 21min and 38s) vs. 25 min and 49s (IQR 20min and 12s-38min and 38s) (P < 0.010)]. The operative phases for each step were significantly longer in patients with gallbladders graded 3 or 4 compared to those patients graded 1 or 2 (P < 0.043). The CVS was achieved in 94% of grade 1 patients, 88% of grade 2 patients, 85% of grade 3 patients and 73% of grade 4 patients (P = 0.177).Conclusion: Increased operative time and decreased ability to achieve the CVS with more difficult intraoperative findings supports the utility of the proposed grading system. ML in surgery is a nascent field, but this study demonstrates the potential of commercially available platforms for use in operative analytics, documentation, audit and training of future surgeons

Operative difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: considering the role of machine learning platforms in clinical practice

Aim: Computer vision is a subset of machine learning (ML) technology that allows automated analysis of large operative video datasets. The aim of this study was to use a commercially available ML-driven platform to evaluate a subjective grading of operative difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: Patients undergoing LC prospectively consented, and their operations were recorded. The intra-operative findings were prospectively graded (1-4) based on intraoperative gallbladder appearance assessments. Deidentified videos were uploaded to Touch SurgeryTMand run through the platform’s algorithm, providing automated analytics including the total operative length and operative phase length. The rate of critical view of safety (CVS) achievement was also included in the analysis. Results: 206 LC were included. 27 LC were excluded due to incomplete video recording and were therefore not amenable to the final data analysis. Grade 1 and 2 patients had significantly shorter operative time than grade 3 and 4 patients [17min and 53s (IQR 15min and 24s- 21min and 38s) vs. 25 min and 49s (IQR 20min and 12s-38min and 38s) (P &lt; 0.010)]. The operative phases for each step were significantly longer in patients with gallbladders graded 3 or 4 compared to those patients graded 1 or 2 (P &lt; 0.043). The CVS was achieved in 94% of grade 1 patients, 88% of grade 2 patients, 85% of grade 3 patients and 73% of grade 4 patients (P = 0.177). Conclusion: Increased operative time and decreased ability to achieve the CVS with more difficult intraoperative findings supports the utility of the proposed grading system. ML in surgery is a nascent field, but this study demonstrates the potential of commercially available platforms for use in operative analytics, documentation, audit and training of future surgeons.</jats:p

Towards determining clinical factors influencing critical structure identification using Artificial Intelligence

BACKGROUND: Studys into factors influencing critical view of safety achievement depends on large volumes of video data and granular anatomical annotations, which are limited by the burden of inefficient manual work. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to radically scale the size of clinical studies by automating operative video analysis. METHODS: 481 videos of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were recorded at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand over three years. AI algorithms analysed the videos, marking time points where the cystic duct and cystic artery were visible and operative phases. Metrics were stratified by surgeon experience (trainee or consultant) and case complexity (North Shore Grading scale). Nine timing metrics were derived based on the outputs of the AI algorithms and compared against the clinical variables. RESULTS: Operative time increased with increasing operative difficulty. Significantly consultants demonstrated a higher proportional duration of anatomy visualisation than trainees in complex patients The cystic duct was commonly identified prior to the cystic artery independent of complexity grade. CONCLUSION: Surgical video review offers the potential of significant new insights with substantive benefits to patients but is often limited by the costly effort of manual analysis. This paper correlates AI-derived analytics with clinical factors demonstrating real-world utility of AI video analysis