Digital twins in surgery: achievements and limitations

Abstract

To review the possible options for digital twin technology in surgery, as well as to build a patent and publication landscape for identifying technological and academic leaders of the frontier. Scientometric and patent analysis was performed. Possible options for digital twin technology in surgical practice were reviewed. Development of scientific and technological trend «digital twins in surgery» in the world was assessed (2002 - idea, concept, definition; 2007-2014 - large-scale studies in academic sector; 2014 - active participation of regulators in translation of pilot digital models of patient organs into practical healthcare; 2014-2017 - large-scale studies in business sector; 2018-2021 - development of a market of medical services based on digital twin technologies in surgery). According to scientometric and patent analysis of digital twins in surgery, there is no a single Russian-language article on to this issue in journals indexed in WOS at the end of 2021. Our country ranks the 23rd in the world regarding its share in the total number of patent applications for inventions. Over a 20-year period, large-scale scientific projects have been carried out in the world to develop digital twin algorithms for surgery. Regulators were involved in the process of broadcasting their results into practical health care. Network interaction of all authors and beneficiaries of technological frontier occurred (research centers, hospitals, companies, manufacturers of medical equipment and information services). Technological ecosystems developed (startups, gazelles, investment seed capital). Technological leaders and key players in new market niches have been identified. Development of this field is insufficient in the Russian Federation. There are no qualified customers and companies in the real sector of economy that could become the beneficiaries of the frontier.