The Transformative Impact of AI, Extended Reality, and Robotics in Interventional Radiology: Current Trends and Applications

Interventional Radiology is at the forefront of integrating advanced imaging techniques and minimally-invasive procedures to enhance patient care. The advent of Digital Health Technologies (DHTs), including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and extended reality (XR), is revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in IR due to its reliance on innovative technology and advanced imaging. Since 2016, the proportion of these DHT-related publications in IR has consistently increased. The proportion of AI-related studies published in IR was 69% higher than in surgery, XR-related studies were 94% higher, and robotics studies were 192% higher, indicating a more rapid growth rate in IR compared to surgery. This article explores the transformative impact of these technologies on IR, emphasizing their potential to enhance precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Despite the promising advancements, there is a lack of standardization and clinical consensus on the optimal use of DHTs in IR. The variability in IR procedures and imaging systems across hospitals complicates the standardization of workflows and comparison of studies. This underscores the importance of integrating DHTs as aids to IR practitioners rather than replacement, ensuring that these technologies enhance both clinical and procedural practice.