This text focuses on approaches to computer-assisted medical decision-making. A feature of the book is that a specific problem in medical decision-making has been selected from the literature, with each contributed chapter presenting a different approach to the solution of the same problem. Theoretical foundations for each approach are provided, followed by practical application. Techniques include knowledge-based reasoning, neural network models, hybrid systems, reasoning with uncertainty and fuzzy logic, among others. The aim is to supply the reader with a variety of theoretical techniques whose practical implementation can be clearly understood through the example. Using a single, concrete example to illustrate different theoretical approaches allows various techniques to be easily contrasted and permits the reader to determine which aspects are pertinent to specific types of applications.
Part 1 Knowledge-based systems: CLINAID - medical knowledge-based system based on fuzzy relational structures, L.J. Kohout et al; diagnostic aspects of diastolic dysfunction - representation in D-Log language, A. Muscari. Part 2 Neural network models: improved noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease using neural networks, M. Akay et al; fuzzy neural network-based adaptive reasoning with experiential knowledge, H. Ding and M.M. Gupta; estimation of long-term mortality of myocardial infarction using a neural network based on the Alopex algorithm, W.J. Kostis et al; neural network-based approach to outcome prognosis for patients with diastolic dysfunction, R.M.E. Sabbatini et al. Part 3 Statistical approaches: implementation of statistical pattern recognition for congestive heart failure, E.A. Patrick; the application of Bayesian inference with fuzzy evidences in medical reasoning, C. Romer and A. Kandel. Part 4 Modelling techniques: 24 hour analysis of heart rate fluctuations before and after carotid surgery using wavelet transform, M. Akay et al; reasoning for introducing a new parameter for assessment of myocardial status - the specific potential of myocardium, L. Bacharova. Part 5 Hybrid systems: correct diagnosis of chest pain by an integrated expert system, D. Assanelli et al; phonocardiogram analysis of congenital and acquired heart diseases using artificial neural networks, D. Barschdorff et al; hybrid system for diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, D.L. Hudson et al.
