FDA Approves Artificial Intelligence Device for Guiding Regional Anesthesia.

Device for Guiding Regional Anesthesia TheFDAauthorizedasoftwaremedicaldevice intendedtohelpanesthetistsandotherhealth professionals identify important anatomical structures in ultrasound images before inserting needles to deliver regional anesthesia. Marketed as the ScanNav Anatomy Peripheral Nerve Block by Intelligent Ultrasound Group, the device uses deep learning artificial intelligence technology to create color overlays of key anatomical structures on live ultrasound images. It’s intended to support health care professionals who perform ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia less frequently, and to help increase use of regional anesthesia when appropriate, according to a company statement. Astand-alonedevicethatcanbeusedwith compatible general-purpose diagnostic ultrasound systems, the ScanNav device highlightsanatomyassociatedwith9commonperipheral nerve blocks, the statement noted. Users may also refamiliarize themselves with scanning for specific blocks using the device’s integrated 3-dimensional animation reference materials, the company said. In a study involving 15 anesthesiologist experts in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and 15 nonexpert anesthesiologist trainees, experts most often identified teaching and supervising as device benefits, though some reported that the device decreased supervising confidence. Nonexperts were more likely to see training, learning scans, identifying anatomic structures, and increasing confidence in scanning as device benefits, though some nonexperts and experts thought it decreased scanning confidence. The device is already licensed for clinical use in the UK and Europe and is scheduled for US market launch shortly, according to the company statement. The company also seeks to license the device to major ultrasound manufacturers for integration with diagnostic products.