Optimising artificial intelligence ultrasound tools in anaesthesiology and perioperative medicine: The next frontier for advanced technology application

Artificial intelligence (AI) was once considered avant-garde. However, AI permeates every industry today, impacting work and home lives in many ways. While AI-driven diagnostic and therapeutic applications already exist in medicine, a chasm remains between the potential of AI and its clinical applications. This article reviews the status of AI-powered ultrasound (US) applications in anaesthesiology and perioperative medicine. A literature search was performed for studies examining AI applications in perioperative US. AI applications for echocardiography and regional anaesthesia are the most robust and well-developed. While applications are available for lung imaging and vascular access, AI programs for airway and gastric US imaging solutions have yet to be available. Legal and ethical challenges associated with AI applications need to be addressed and resolved over time. AI applications are beneficial in the context of education and training. While low-resource settings may benefit from AI, the financial burden is a considerable limiting factor.