A framework for multi-model surgical workflow management

Abstract

Surgical workflow management will make important contributions to future digital operating rooms. It allows the automation of tasks like pre-configuration of medical devices or resource logistics. The applications differ in the required process information aspects. Hence, a framework for flexible networks of process models is proposed based on the well-established pipeline concept. It allowed the integration of multiple different surgical process model types in one system. A prototypical framework was implemented and tested with a network for a neurosurgical use case.