He stopped short of attributing the device’s operation to artificial intelligence. But he did note that the platform’s algorithm is “trained” on a large database of thousands of lumbar spine scans.

“The technology identifies the same anatomic landmarks in the image that a clinician trained in neuraxial ultrasonography would identify when locating the epidural space,” said Mauldin.


The device also provides an efficiency advantage for specialists, such as OB/GYNs, who do not have to wait for a radiologist to interpret an image. It also benefits the radiology workflow.

“The Accuro device has an in-time electronic algorithm that identifies bony landmarks in the lumbar spine allowing real-time interpretation of images on the screen,” Dr. Katie Seligman, division chief, Obstetric Anesthesia, University of New Mexico and a fellow who was part of the Stanford study team, told HCB News. “This allows the device to identify an appropriate location to place an epidural and estimate depth to epidural space. A standard ultrasound requires user interpretation of images.”

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