Recently, the PUMCH team claimed the world championship of the SurgToolLoc (Surgical Tool Localization in endoscopic videos) Challenge at the 2023 International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention (MICCAI). The PUMCH team, led by Vice President Wu Wenming, included Hua Surong, Deputy Chief Physician of General Surgery, and Dr. Ping Lu, a clinical postdoctoral fellow. MICCAI is a top international conference in medical imaging computing, medical robotics and artificial intelligence, among others. In addition to academic exchanges, the conference also hosts multiple challenges that garner active participation from top universities, medical institutions, and professionals worldwide.
The MICCAI 2023 SurgToolLoc Challenge is open to researchers and developers in medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention. Its purpose is to promote the development of new technologies and algorithms related to medical image recognition and processing, and to advance the application of computer and AI in medical imaging. This year’s challenge is about using AI-enabled methods to identify and track 14 types of surgical instruments used in robot-assisted surgery. These instruments may be partially or fully obscured during the surgical process, which makes recognition and tracking more difficult. This function is viewed as a cornerstone for the future development of intelligent surgeries. 72 teams from countries such as China, Canada, and the United States participated in the challenge, each striving to excel, and 13 teams were shortlisted for the final round.
Led by Wu Wenming, the PUMCH team developed an efficient model based on machine learning for imaging processing, after more than ten iterations spanning five months. The model was based on algorithms such as semi-supervised learning, self-supervised learning, object detection, and object tracking, tailored to the characteristics of robot-assisted surgical scenarios. The team submitted this model, presented and defended their submission via live streaming, ultimately claiming the championship. In this process, they put on full display the excellence of Chinese scholars on the international stage.
Since 2018, the PUMCH team has been digging into AI application to surgical videos. To date, they have published six papers, been granted four invention patents, and translated four research achievements; they have also been invited to speak at multiple domestic and international conferences. The team’s participation in this international competition is a case in point about PUMCH’s strong emphasis on and vigorous exploration in frontiers of science and technology. The great result at the challenge will make the team more motivated down the road. With strong commitment and firm determination, they will continue to apply the rapidly evolving and groundbreaking achievements in computer and AI to clinical practices for the benefit of more patients.
The challenge result has been released on the official website, if you are interested, please click https://surgtoolloc23.grand-challenge.org/results/
Written by Hua Surong and Gan Dingzhu
Edited by Gan Dingzhu and Chen Xiao
Translated by Liu Haiyan
Reviewed by Wang Yao