Artificial intelligence

AI tool to transform transplant system & save hundreds of extra lives per year

A new way of assessing the quality of potential organ donations could be set to revolutionise the transplant system, saving hundreds of lives and tens of millions of pounds.

Working in a similar way to how facial recognition software uses artificial intelligence (AI), the innovation evaluates the quality of an organ to give clinicians faster answers on whether a specific donation is eligible for a transplant.

Health leaders believe the Organ Quality Assessment (OrQA) tool could help as many as 200 more patients get kidney transplants and support up to 100 more people get liver replacements every single year in the UK.

Director of the University of Bradford’s Centre for Visual Computing, Professor Hassan Ugail, explained how the technology works, saying: “Currently, when an organ becomes available, it is assessed by a surgical team by sight, which means, occasionally, organs will be deemed not suitable for transplant.

“We are developing a deep machine learning algorithm which will be trained using thousands of images of human organs to assess images of donor organs more effectively than what the human eye can see.

“This will ultimately mean a surgeon could take a photo of the donated organ, upload it to OrQA and get an immediate answer as to how best to use the donated organ.”

Considering an organ can only survive out of the body for a limited amount of time and the fact that there are around 7,000 patients on the organ transplant waiting list in the UK, it is imperative a correct and timely decision can be made on the viability of an organ.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has contributed approximately £1m to support the development of the technology.

NIHR Chief Executive, Professor Lucy Chappell, said: "Funded by our Invention for Innovation Programme, this deep machine learning algorithm aims to increase the number of liver and kidney donor organs suitable for transplantation.

“This is another example of how AI can enhance our healthcare system and make it more efficient. Once clinically validated and tested, cutting edge technology such as this holds the real promise of saving and improving lives."

According to the NIHR, it is hoped OrQA will be eligible for a licensing study within the health service in the next two years, with further aspirations noted on the possibility of marketing the technology globally.

National Health Executive, Jan/Feb, Cover

NHE Jan/Feb 22

The pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures - starting at the top

This issue highlights the latest topics within the health sector, from pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures, treatment to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, how the UK is leading the way in cancer research & more!

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Finger on the Pulse

Ep 14. Health messaging is a science, Professor Craig Jackson

On Episode 14 of NHE's Finger on the Pulse podcast, we're joined by Professor Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology
Birmingham City University to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the health messaging around it and how those in power have missed a trick by overlooking the key role of psychology in informing the public of restrictions, measures and the ever-changing situation

More articles...

View all