OMU hosts experts to discuss the future of neurovascular surgery and AI-supported treatment

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) hosted the “Neurovascular Regional Meetings 2” program organized by the Turkish Neurosurgical Society.

The meeting, which brought together medical and engineering disciplines, addressed current treatment methods in brain surgery and the future of artificial intelligence-supported technologies.

Held at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM), the meeting titled “Current Approaches in the Treatment of Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)” brought together university administrators, expert academics in the field, and young surgeons.

Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz: “Artificial intelligence and engineering will shape the future”

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz emphasized that medical and engineering sciences are complementary fields. Evaluating neuronal structures in the brain and artificial intelligence modeling from the perspective of electrical and electronics engineering, Kurnaz stated:

“The electrical activity in the brain actually forms the basis of artificial intelligence. Just as sending a rocket to the Moon requires highly precise mathematical modeling, an operation performed by a neurosurgeon is an equally precise and high-level process. We believe that artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms will provide much stronger support to surgeons in the coming years.”

“The aim is to strengthen regional experience sharing”

Prof. Dr. Erhan Türkoğlu, Chair of the Neurovascular Surgery Teaching and Training Group, stated in his speech that regional meetings play an important role in scientific sharing and said, “Our main goal is to evaluate together the challenges faced by our colleagues working in the field and to raise awareness, especially about endovascular interventions, which are gaining increasing importance worldwide.”

Emphasis on Samsun’s historical identity

Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çokluk, a faculty member of the Department of Neurosurgery at OMU Faculty of Medicine, drew attention to the historical significance of Samsun in his speech welcoming the participants and said, “We are very pleased to host you in this city where the torch of the National Struggle was lit.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrah Keskin, Member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Neurosurgical Society, thanked host OMU, stating that the meeting made important contributions especially in terms of complex vascular pathologies and hybrid treatment approaches.

Current approaches addressed in scientific sessions

Within the scope of the scientific program, various sessions were held under the moderation of Prof. Dr. Alparslan Şenel, Prof. Dr. Aykan Ulus, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah H. Marangoz.

In the sessions, Prof. Dr. Serhat Baydın delivered a presentation titled “AVM Pathophysiology and Epidemiology,” Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çokluk presented “Microsurgical Treatment and Complication Strategies,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrah Keskin presented “Current Approaches in Endovascular Treatment,” Prof. Dr. Hakan Emmez presented “Radiosurgery and Patient Follow-up,” and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahin Hanalioğlu presented “Multimodal Treatment Strategies.”

In the “Case-Based Discussion” panel held in the final part of the program, cases presented by young physicians were evaluated by experienced academics. In the panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Erhan Türkoğlu, Dr. Serkan Civlan, Dr. Mehmet Selim Gel, Dr. Çağhan Tönge, Dr. Mehmet Karaaslan, Dr. Oğuzhan Körömer, Dr. M. Akif Erbaş, and Dr. Musa Sezer took part with their presentations.

The meeting, held with strong participation, concluded with a commemorative photo session following the evaluation sessions.