Tool Detection and Operative Skill Assessment in Surgical Videos Using Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks (1802.08774v2)

Abstract: Five billion people in the world lack access to quality surgical care. Surgeon skill varies dramatically, and many surgical patients suffer complications and avoidable harm. Improving surgical training and feedback would help to reduce the rate of complications, half of which have been shown to be preventable. To do this, it is essential to assess operative skill, a process that currently requires experts and is manual, time consuming, and subjective. In this work, we introduce an approach to automatically assess surgeon performance by tracking and analyzing tool movements in surgical videos, leveraging region-based convolutional neural networks. In order to study this problem, we also introduce a new dataset, m2cai16-tool-locations, which extends the m2cai16-tool dataset with spatial bounds of tools. While previous methods have addressed tool presence detection, ours is the first to not only detect presence but also spatially localize surgical tools in real-world laparoscopic surgical videos. We show that our method both effectively detects the spatial bounds of tools as well as significantly outperforms existing methods on tool presence detection. We further demonstrate the ability of our method to assess surgical quality through analysis of tool usage patterns, movement range, and economy of motion.

• The paper introduces a novel RCNN framework for detecting surgical tools in video content.
• It assesses operative skills by correlating tool movements and techniques captured during procedures.
• Experimental evaluations demonstrate robust performance, highlighting the method’s potential for real-time surgical applications.

Overview of WACV Proceedings Author Guidelines

The paper "Author Guidelines for WACV Proceedings" serves as an instructional guide for authors planning to submit manuscripts for consideration by the IEEE Computer Society Press, specifically targeting the Winter Conference on Applications of Computer Vision (WACV). It is structured to encompass various formatting and submission guidelines integral to the preparation and presentation of conference papers.

Language and Dual Submission Policy

A key component of the guidelines is the specification that all manuscripts must be submitted in English. The policy on dual submissions is particularly stringent. Authors are required to confirm that their submitted work is original and has not been published elsewhere in any substantially similar form. Moreover, authors should ensure that their work will not be submitted to any other conference or journal during the WACV review period if it contains significant overlap with the submitted manuscript. Any paper that violates this condition is subject to outright rejection.

Paper Length and Formatting

Authors must adhere strictly to the prescribed page limits as defined by the conference's call for papers. The submission must not exceed the maximum allowable length, and any attempts to circumvent the specified margin requirements or formatting adjustments are discouraged. The guidelines clearly communicate that overlength manuscripts will not undergo the peer review process, thereby maintaining a level of uniformity and fairness in evaluating submissions.

The paper strongly emphasizes the importance of proper formatting, including the use of a printed ruler for reviewer annotations, appropriate numbering of sections and equations, and a two-column layout for the main text. Attention to these details is critical to ensure clarity and coherence in communicating complex technical information.

Blind Review and Authorship Anonymity

The guidelines delve into procedures for maintaining anonymity during the blind review process. Authors are advised on citing their previous work without explicitly identifying themselves. This is done through careful wording, such as using third-person phrasing instead of first-person pronouns when referring to past work. The text also provides examples of both unacceptable and acceptable manuscript sections, illustrating proper compliance with anonymity requirements without forfeiting the opportunity to reference foundational research.

Illustrations and Additional Formatting Considerations

Detailed specifications are provided for incorporating tables, figures, and illustrations within the manuscript. These include ensuring that visual elements are legible in printed formats and appropriately integrated using the \LaTeX\ document preparation system. Moreover, presentations are encouraged to utilize color for electronic versions, provided they retain clarity in monochrome print.

Implications and Future Considerations

Adhering to these guidelines is imperative for authors seeking to disseminate their research at the WACV conference. This structured approach to manuscript preparation not only facilitates the review process but also aids in presenting scientific and technical findings with clarity and precision. The rigorous standards set forth contribute to the overall quality of conference proceedings and the dissemination of knowledge within the computer vision community.

The guidelines thus ensure a robust framework for future authors aiming to contribute to the field. By standardizing the submission format, the guidelines indirectly influence the broader acceptance and professionalism of academic publications, fostering a consistent and high-quality exchange of research insights. This has downstream effects on subsequent literature and research advancements in artificial intelligence and computer vision disciplines.