The AI–driven PreSize Neurovascular software, developed by the UK startup Oxford Heartbeat, claims to exhibit an accuracy rate of 95% in predicting placement of a brain stent – a crucial component in the treatment of weaknesses in brain blood vessels, aimed at preventing strokes. This is in contrast to the accuracy rate of 81% observed among experienced surgeons. 

Alarmingly, the study on the accuracy of human surgeons unveiled that there was no correlation between a surgeon’s clinical experience and the accuracy of their predictions, indicating that this skill cannot be honed over time. There was also no connection between the accuracy and the complexity of the case, suggesting that even straightforward cases presented challenges for human operators.

“The study highlights the variability among us clinicians when planning implant treatment for cerebral aneurysms with our current means and the demonstrated superior accuracy of the PreSize software. Use of the software can assist in accurate planning and eliminate physician variability,” said professor Ansaar Rai, chairman of the department of neuroradiology at West Virginia.

In the UK alone approximately 1,500 of these surgeries are conducted each year, with a concerning 20% of them leading to life-threatening complications.

Additionally, 10% of the surgeries require a different sized stent, which incurs a cost of around £10,000 each time. 

Using the new AI technology, surgeries could improve patient outcomes and save financial resources.

As of now, PreSize has been used in operations for 375 patients, including ten hospitals across England and Scotland, as well as in Germany, Finland, and Ukraine. 

The software leverages routine preoperative scans to allow clinicians to visualise a unique 3D anatomy of the patients blood vessels. The platform holds a comprehensive digital library of device twins, which allows for highly accurate predictions regarding stent length. The platform also identifies optimal placement for the stent.

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“AI has the potential to revolutionise healthcare, but before we adopt it we must rigorously test new systems. Medical device software companies like ours should be held to account to address any distrust about AI. We look forward to seeing emerging evidence on the benefits PreSize brings to clinical practice,” said Dr Katerina Spranger, CEO and founder of Oxford Heartbeat.

The work done by Oxford Heartbeat is bolstered by support from the  Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub, Innovate UK, the UK’s high-growth agency, and the National Institute of Health Research.