Technology and human errors in image-guided surgeries

Using image guidance for stereotactic surgery has been widely adopted in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery and other surgery operations. Careful, precise and robust implementation of image-guidance can offer surgeon accurate intra-operative information that traditional techniques can not reach. Weak design, careless utilization, and dilemma in quality assurance protocol may result in severe scenarios. It is because that introducing image guidance into the operating room involves high precise technologies, delicate instruments and sophisticated processes. These can offer precision as well as space for human errors. A method based on the 'failure modes and effects analysis' is introduced to systematically study human errors in the image-guided surgery field. The paper presented the fundamental steps and architectures of the method. For better understanding of the method, a simple example is also provided. Analyzing human errors with the 'failure mode and effects analysis' benefits the development life cycle of the image-guided surgery system. It also helps for designing the clinical quality assurance process and the training courses for surgeons.