Currently, the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine is a fundamental technology for the advancement of healthcare in the modern era. From streamlining the process of creating new drugs, to robotics for surgical and rehabilitation use, to providing more accurate diagnoses, the applications of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector They are diverse and constantly evolving.
Fundamentals for understanding the use of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector
Before we delve into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to medicine, it is essential to understand its basic fundamentals. AI is based on the neural network model of the human brain, employing multiple layers of information including algorithms, pattern matching, rules, deep learning (deep learning) and cognitive computing to learn to understand complex data sets.
This technology allows for the identification of meaningful relationships between raw data, which has immense potential in the medical field. The application of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector enables medical professionals to address complex problems more quickly and effectively.
For instance, Watson Health, an artificial intelligence system developed by IBM, is a flagship example of this integration. The system can analyze millions of medical reports, patient records, clinical trials y Scientific Publications to uncover hidden patterns and insights in data. Watson Health has been successfully deployed in several countries, including Mexico, where it has made a significant contribution to the fight against cancer since 2017, improving the accuracy of treatments and delivering outstanding results.
Importance of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector
Without a doubt, the incorporation of the AI in medicine is radically transforming healthcare in many ways. Here are some of the reasons why this pairing is so relevant today:
- Accurate and rapid diagnosticsAI enables early and accurate identification of diseases, even those that progress rapidly, such as certain types of cancer y degenerative pathologiesAn early diagnosis can make a difference in the patient's treatment and prognosis.
- Control and monitoring of chronic patients. Indeed, electronic devices and AI-based monitoring systems They facilitate more effective monitoring of patients with chronic conditions. This helps them manage their health and reduce the need for frequent visits to the doctor.
- Reducing medical workload. AI can assist healthcare professionals in the data interpretation and in decision-making. In fact, it relieves their workload and allows them to focus on critical clinical aspects.
- Advances in drug research and development. The Artificial Intelligence in the health sector accelerates medical research and the development of new drugs. This is made possible by analyzing large sets of genetic and molecular data, identifying therapeutic targets and optimizing the effectiveness of treatments.
- Rapid response in pandemics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI played a crucial role in accelerating the creation of new medical treatments and vaccinesGlobal collaboration between researchers and AI systems made it possible to reduce development times.
Examples of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector
Artificial Intelligence is clearly already an indispensable tool in the medical field. Here are some notable examples of its application:
- Medical and imaging analysisAI is capable of rapidly processing large amounts of medical data, which is essential in interpreting tests such as MRIs and genetic studies.
- Medical diagnoses. Certainly, the AI systems They are exceptionally accurate in identifying diseases early, allowing for timely and effective treatment.
- Custom treatments. The Artificial Intelligence in the health sector It enables the development of personalized medical treatments based on specific genomic profiles of patients, which can be more effective and with fewer side effects than conventional treatments.
- Predictive geneticsIn this area, mobile applications such as Face2Gene They use AI to detect rare diseases and genetic disorders by analyzing photographs and comparing them with genetic databases.
- pregnancy monitoringAI offers a real-time view of the status of the pregnancy, reducing the need for invasive procedures to detect malformations.
- Smart prostheticsAs if that were not enough, prosthetics controlled by AI-based applications learn the user's movement patterns, adapting optimally to their needs.
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in the health sector
Likewise, the integration of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in medicine are marking a significant milestone in the improvement of surgical procedures and neuromotor rehabilitation. On the one hand, these technological advances have revolutionized the precision and efficiency of medical procedures. But, they have also opened up new opportunities in the early detection of pathologies and the rehabilitation of patients.
AI and robotics in surgery
La surgery is a medical discipline that requires a high level of precision and expertise. However, physical fatigue and loss of motor skills due to repeated procedures can affect the success of an operation. In this regard, robotics has proven to be an invaluable tool. surgical errors are a major concern in medicine. And although there are no official statistics, estimates suggest that there are hundreds of thousands of surgical failures each year in countries such as France and the United States, some of which are fatal. robotics helps minimize these risks by providing precision superior to that of human surgeons.
One of the most outstanding examples of the application of the robotics in surgery is the system Da Vinci developed by Intuitive SurgicalThese surgical robots, which emerged in the 2000s, have performed millions of interventions in various medical specialties, such as general, urologic, gynecologic, cardiac, and head and neck surgery. What makes these units exceptional is their precision and the ability to perform minimally invasive surgeries. In this way, they eliminate the need for large incisions and improve results.
It is important to note that surgical robots do not completely replace human surgeons. Surgeons still monitor and control operations from a computer console, allowing for Combining human dexterity and robotic precision.
The role of robotics and AI in neurorehabilitation
Furthermore, the neurorehabilitation is a critical branch of medicine that seeks to improve motor and neurological function in patients who have experienced brain or neurological injuries. In this field, robotics is playing a pivotal role in assessing and treatment of patients.
The robotic rehabilitation systems have been developed over decades, allowing them to be used today for a variety of purposes, from gait rehabilitation to restoring arm and hand function. One of the most notable advances was the development of the Lokomat In 1999, the first commercial robotic device designed for walking rehabilitation.
Currently, robotics and Artificial Intelligence in the health sector are used extensively to assess the motor ability of patients. In this way, they provide personalized intensive therapies, offer assistance or resistance to movement as needed and provide real-time feedback to both patients and therapists. Gait rehabilitation is a particularly prominent application of robotics, with positive outcomes including improvements in independence, gait quality, speed, strength and quality of life of patients.
Inrobics applies artificial intelligence and robotics in rehabilitation therapies
Get to know us! We are Inrobics, a spin-off of the Carlos III University of Madrid dedicated to digital health. In this area, we have developed a digital health solution robotics-based rehabilitation social and AI, fully personalized, empathetic and flexible. Features that improve the effectiveness and access of treatment through these innovative technologies. Ours is the only certified social robotics solution as a medical device in Europe.
Our therapy options, both in clinical centers and at home, are equipped with Artificial Intelligence with ALMA, a software that we developed in Inrobics. This tool is what gives life to robots and enables their interaction with patients and doctors. The software “thinks” with the assistance of a computer system. Machine Learning to adapt to the needs of each user. Of course, this resource is a practical example of Artificial Intelligence in the health sector. Request a demo!
