These days, everyone’s talking about artificial intelligence (AI) all the time. But most of us do not know yet what is available today and which are the benefits that the AI offers in the spinal field:
- Diagnosis and surgical planning: AI algorithms can analyze magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and X-ray images to help doctors identify patterns and anomalies in the spine. It is crucial for the early detection of problems and precise surgical procedure planning. Companies like Proprio, Siemens Healthineers, Imagen Technologies, and Brainlab are leading the development of AI-based solutions.
- Surgical navigation: These systems help surgeons guide instruments and implants more accurately, reducing the risk of damage to nearby structures. Companies like Proprio are developing AI-based surgical navigation systems that provide real-time assistance during spinal surgeries.
- Outcome prediction: AI models can analyze massive clinical data sets to identify predictive factors for surgical outcomes in patients with spinal problems. It enables doctors to make informed treatment decisions and personalize care for each patient. An example is Medtronic, which acquired Medicrea and incorporated the UNiD technology to develop the UNiD Spine Analyzer software, which helps surgeons plan complex procedures and predict how patients will react to surgery in the following months.
- Surgical robotics: AI-controlled robotic systems for spinal surgeries allow procedures to be performed with greater precision and control, enabling surgeons to perform delicate and complex movements with enhanced safety.
- Postoperative monitoring: Companies like Aidoc use AI algorithms to analyze postoperative monitoring data, such as images and patient symptoms, to identify potential complications and improve postoperative care.
Which companies should you keep an eye on in the AI landscape?
- Proprio: Headquartered in Seattle, it is a medical technology firm. By harnessing light field technology, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and real-time anatomical alignment calculations, Proprio’s exclusive platform equips surgeons with the data they need to make informed decisions in the operating room.https://www.propriovision.com/
- Aidoc: Deployed in over 1,000 medical facilities worldwide, Aidoc boasts the most FDA clearances (13) in clinical AI, covering 75% of patient populations, and empowering physicians to make data-driven decisions in real-time. Aidoc AI operates continuously in the background, revolutionizing the foreground of patient care.https://www.aidoc.com
- Katomed: This company specializes in automation software designed for precision-sensitive tasks in spine surgery. Katomed develops surgical automation technology for spine surgery, integrating cutting-edge advancements in AI, computer vision, AR/VR, and robotics. Katomed team consists of experienced industry veterans, technology futurists, and academic visionaries. They aim to unlock the potential of algorithmic advances in robotics and sensor fusion, ultimately benefiting spine patients and surgeons alike.They are a seed-stage company that is actively fundraising.https://katomed.ai/