Anaesthesia Past,Present and Future

Abstract

Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have led to diagnostic, therapeutic, and intervention based applications in the field of medicine. Today, there is a deep chasm between AI based research articles and their translation to clinical anaesthesia, which needs to be addressed. Machine learning (ML), the most widely applied arm of AI in medicine, confers the ability to analyse large volumes of data, find associations, and predict outcomes with ongoing learning by the computer. It involves algorithm creation, testing and analyses with the ability to perform cognitive functions including association between variables, pattern recognition, and prediction of outcomes. AI supported closed loops have been designed for pharmacological maintenance of anaesthesia and hemodynamic management. Mechanical robots can perform dexterity and skill based tasks such as intubation and regional blocks with precision, whereas clinical decision support systems in crisis situations may augment the role of the clinician. The possibilities are boundless, yet widespread adoption of AI is still far from the ground reality. Patient related “Big Data” collection, validation, transfer, and testing are under ethical scrutiny. For this narrative review, we conducted a PubMed search in 2020-21 and retrieved articles related to AI and anaesthesia. After careful consideration of the content, we prepared the review to highlight the growing importance of AI in anaesthesia. Awareness and understanding of the basics of AI are the first steps to be undertaken by clinicians. In this narrative review, we have discussed salient features of ongoing AI research related to anaesthesia and perioperative care.