Washington Patent of the Month – February 2023
Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, including human error, equipment failure, and post-operative infections, among others. Despite safety protocols, surgical errors and complications can still occur. IntuitiveX LLC is a technology company focused on improving surgical outcomes using digital image analysis. The Seattle-based company has developed a computer-implemented digital image analysis method for the robotic installation of surgical implants, which reduces the risks associated with traditional surgical procedures.
IntuitiveX’s digital image analysis method involves receiving images of a patient’s anatomy, identifying an incision site and an implant site within the anatomy, and generating a virtual anatomy based on the images. The method virtually segments a surgical implant design into virtual implant components that are compatible with the virtual implant site’s size and shape. The method then determines route constraints for the passage of each virtual implant component and simulates their passage through one or more routes. The method selects the best route and assembles the implant components into the surgical implant design.
The technology could revolutionize surgical implants by reducing surgical errors and adverse events. The virtual simulation provides surgeons with a clear visualization of the surgical site and a better understanding of the implant’s design and placement. The process also reduces the risks associated with conventional surgical procedures. The technology eliminates the risks associated with retained foreign objects and wrong-site, wrong-person, or wrong-procedure errors, thus enhancing patient safety.
IntuitiveX’s technology provides solutions for surgical procedures that are typically considered difficult, such as spinal surgeries. Spinal surgeries are complex and delicate procedures that require accurate placement of the implant. IntuitiveX’s digital image analysis method improves the accuracy and precision of implant placement, reducing the risk of complications.
IntuitiveX is also developing technology that integrates virtual and augmented reality with surgical procedures, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and accuracy. The technology provides a more immersive experience for surgeons, allowing them to see inside the body and have a better understanding of the surgical site.
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