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Artificial Intelligence and Surgical Planning: How AI Is Transforming the Operating Room

PonD3 Team
artificial intelligencesurgerytechnology

AI as a surgeon's ally

When we talk about artificial intelligence in surgery, we do not mean robots replacing doctors. We mean tools that amplify the surgeon's capabilities by offering a clearer, more complete view of patient anatomy before entering the operating room.

How automated segmentation works

The core of our technology is based on convolutional neural networks that analyze every single voxel in CT images. In practice:

  1. Acquisition: DICOM images are uploaded to the platform
  2. Voxel-by-voxel analysis: the algorithm identifies different anatomical structures - arteries, veins, urinary tract, parenchyma, and tumors
  3. 3D reconstruction: segmented structures are transformed into an interactive 3D model
  4. Clinical validation: a team of specialists reviews and corrects the segmentation before delivery

This process, which would manually require hours of work by an expert radiologist, is completed in dramatically less time thanks to AI.

10 anatomical structures identified

For each renal reconstruction, our system identifies up to 10 distinct anatomical structures:

  • Renal arteries and veins, including segmental branches
  • Urinary tract and renal calyces
  • Kidney parenchyma, cortex, and medulla
  • Cysts, tumors, and stones
  • Renal sinus fat

Each structure can be viewed separately, with opacity and visibility controls that let the surgeon explore spatial relationships among components.

AI does not replace, it supports

A core principle of our approach: AI does not replace clinical judgment. Every AI-generated model goes through a four-step human review:

  1. Download segmentation masks
  2. Manual correction by specialists
  3. 3D model review
  4. Final approval decision

Only after this process is the model made available to the requesting surgeon.

The future is already here

The 3D diagnostic imaging sector is growing at a 27.1% compound annual growth rate. This is not a passing trend, but a structural transformation in how surgery is planned and performed.

With PonD3, this technology is accessible to universities, residency programs, and surgeons across Italy - with no dedicated software installation required, 48-hour delivery, and full compliance with GDPR and the European AI Act.