Real-time AI detection of surgical smoke during endoscopic laparoscopic procedures

Development of AI-Based Approaches for Automated Real-Time Detection of Surgical Smoke Using Endoscopic Image and Video Data

University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT07397000

This pilot will test whether an AI system can detect surgical smoke in real time from endoscopic video during laparoscopic procedures that use high-frequency surgical devices.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen (other)
Locations1 site (Tübingen)
Trial IDNCT07397000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, monocentric observational pilot that will collect endoscopic video and device activation logs to build a training dataset for an AI model. Women undergoing laparoscopic procedures with anticipated smoke generation from high-frequency (HF) surgical devices and use of a Karl Storz S‑Pilot smoke evacuation system will be enrolled. The S‑Pilot activation by clinical staff will serve as the reference standard, and model performance will be measured on held-out test data with a target F1 score ≥ 0.8. No experimental interventions will be applied; the study records intraoperative data to train and validate the computer-assisted detection algorithm.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adult women (≥18) scheduled for laparoscopic surgery using HF devices and a Karl Storz S‑Pilot system who can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who do not undergo HF electrosurgery, cannot have the S‑Pilot device used, or cannot provide informed consent are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the AI could give immediate alerts when smoke appears, helping staff reduce exposure and improve visualization during laparoscopic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Related AI work in endoscopic image analysis and surgical workflow recognition has shown promise, but real-time automated detection of surgical smoke is novel and only sparsely reported.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Age ≥ 18 years
* Written consent after receiving information
* Indication for surgical treatment using HF surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* \- Expected lack of compliance by the patient or inability of the patient to understand the meaning and purpose of the clinical trial
* Lack of patient consent
* S-Pilot cannot be used

Where this trial is running

Tübingen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Detection of Surgical Smoke Gas Using AI

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.