Additional research will almost surely reveal new uses—and limitations— of AI in otolaryngology. Physicians studying AI applications recommend caution. “When it comes to medical decision-making, these models have the potential to cause significant patient harm,” Dr. Bur said. “I think it’s imperative that physicians work carefully to protect our patients.”
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January 2023Jennifer Fink is a freelance medical writer based in Wisconsin.
AI-Enabled Diagnostic Aids
The FDA hasn’t yet approved any AI devices for clinical use in otolaryngology, but well over 100 AI-enabled medical devices are already available for commercial use in the United States. Between January and July 2022 alone, the FDA approved more than 90 different AI medical devices, including:
* BoneView, an AI companion for bone trauma X-rays that’s in use at more than 350 hospitals in clinics. This tool automatically detects and localizes fractures, effusions, dislocations, and bone lesions on X-ray images and flags them for physician attention. Its use may lead to 30% fewer missed fractures.
* eMurmur, an AI tool that can detect the presence of a murmur in a heart sound recording and determine if it is likely innocent or pathological with expert-level accuracy.
* EarliPoint System, a pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis aid. EarliPoint received breakthrough designation from the FDA and uses AI to assess and compare the eye movements of a young child watching a video to the looking behavior of typically developing children. Research has found that atypical visual engagement may be predictive of ASD.