In a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the medical sector, China has begun testing a virtual AI assistant to assist neurosurgeons during procedures. important.

The pilot is being implemented in seven hospitals in Beijing and other cities, demonstrating the country's commitment to harnessing technological advances in the healthcare sector.

Developing an AI assistant for neurosurgery

A research team backed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully developed an AI model specialized in neurosurgery. Inspired by Meta Platforms Inc's Llama 2.0 platform, researchers meticulously trained and fine-tuned the AI ​​using a variety of resources including medical literature, journals, and manuals.

According to Liu Hongbin, the center's executive director, their goal is to equip AI with comprehensive knowledge to be able to become a virtual surgical consultant for medical professionals.

To train the AI ​​model, the Center used up to 100 graphics processing units (GPUs), which included a balanced allocation of Nvidia Corp.'s high-end A100 chips. and Ascend 910B from Huawei Technologies Co. By leveraging this powerful computational infrastructure, researchers believe AI can process data types as diverse as MRI, ultrasound or CT scans, along with image, text and sound.

Potential of AI chatbots

Dubbed CARES Copilot 1.0, the AI ​​bot is expected to provide valuable insights to medical doctors based on its archive of over a million records. Its capabilities go beyond simple information retrieval to provide diagnostic support and recommendations, including warnings against high-risk procedures.

Challenges and prospects

While this initiative marks a significant leap forward in integrating AI into healthcare operations, it is not without its challenges. One notable obstacle highlighted by Feng Ming, head of the neurosurgery department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, is the problem of limited access to advanced computing resources. Dependence on Nvidia's high-end chips is a barrier, requiring the development of domestic solutions tailored to domestic needs.

The ongoing trials demonstrate China's efforts to promote domestic AI capabilities, in line with the global trend of innovation and digital transformation in the healthcare sector. AI-led solutions have the potential to revolutionize many aspects of medical care, including diagnostics and personalized consultations, promising to solve long-standing challenges and improve efficiency across the ecosystem health care.

Despite existing challenges, the collective pursuit of leveraging AI in healthcare underscores our commitment to advancing patient-centered solutions and driving innovation in the medical sector.

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