Scalpel, a startup from Essex, has secured £3.8m to enhance surgical safety through AI and computer vision.
- Founded in 2017 by two doctors, Scalpel aims to reduce errors in surgical tool management.
- The technology tracks surgical instruments’ performance, ensuring correct tray delivery to operating rooms.
- Mercia Ventures led the funding, with aims to expand Scalpel’s technology globally.
- Scalpel’s AI innovation addresses manual surgical challenges, promising streamlined operations.
Scalpel, an innovative firm based in Essex, recently secured £3.8m in funding to advance its groundbreaking work in surgical technology. Established in 2017 by two physicians who recognized the critical need for improved surgical tool management, Scalpel leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to enhance safety and efficiency in the operating room.
The company’s technology focuses on identifying and tracking the usage and performance of surgical instruments. The system generates digital twins of medical equipment and utilizes computer vision for thorough analysis. This functionality not only verifies that surgical trays contain the necessary instruments but also ensures they are accurately delivered to operating theaters. This minimizes the risk of errors that can arise from manual operations, paving the way for what Scalpel foresees as the future of personalized surgery.
Co-founder and CEO Dr. Yeshwanth Pulijala asserted that the smooth operation within the surgical theater is as crucial as the actual procedures performed. Scalpel aims to make surgeries safer and more efficient, embodying their vision of personalizing healthcare practices. Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed, co-founder and chief technology officer, highlighted their collaborative efforts with users to tailor the technology to meet specific needs. Proprietary AI algorithms and advanced computer vision are central to their innovation, significantly reducing supply chain errors and handling time.
Leading the recent funding round is Mercia Ventures, with additional investment from Tensor Ventures. Lee Lindley of Mercia Ventures emphasized the transformative potential of Scalpel’s platform in managing surgical trays, contrasting it with traditional methods such as barcodes and RFID tags. The recent financial boost is expected to facilitate Scalpel’s international scaling ambitions and its goal of setting industry standards.
Previously, Scalpel benefited from grant funding through Innovate UK, underscoring its potential and value within the healthcare technology sector. This support has been instrumental in propelling the startup’s development and outreach, aligning with the global shift towards integrating advanced technologies in medical practices.
Scalpel’s AI-driven approach promises a safer, more efficient surgical environment, heralding advancements in personalized healthcare.
