Human-Machine Collaboration in AI-Assisted Surgery: Balancing Autonomy and Expertise

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is already being actively utilized in some fields of medicine. Its entrance into the surgical realm is inevitable, sure to become an integral tool for surgeons in their operating rooms and in providing perioperative care. As the technology matures and AI-collaborative systems become more widely available to assist in surgery, the need to find a balance between machine autonomy and surgeon expertise will become clearer. This chapter reviews the factors that need to be held in consideration to find this equilibrium. It examines the question from the perspective of the surgeon and the machine individually, their current and future collaborations, as well as the obstacles that lie ahead.