New AI-driven software aims to improve surgical precision and safety, supported by OBIO’s LSCTC Centre of Excellence at St. Michael’s Hospital
Planning brain surgery is a delicate process that requires precision to avoid damaging surrounding brain tissue and to prevent post-surgery complications. Synaptive Medical, a leader in medical technology, is set to enhance this process by evaluating its new software called Modus Plan, at Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital, with support from OBIO’s Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization (LSCTC) Centre of Excellence.
Modus Plan uses advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help surgeons map the brain’s critical pathways in relation to tumours or other abnormalities. This technology aims to make surgery safer by giving doctors a clearer view of the brain’s structure before they operate. This mapping is referred to as tractography, which is a technique used in brain imaging to map out the pathways, or “tracts,” of white matter in the brain. White matter tracts are like the brain’s communication wires, carrying messages between different areas. Tractography uses special MRI scans to visualize these tracts, showing how the brain is wired. This is especially important for brain surgeons because it helps them see where these vital pathways are before they operate, so they can avoid damaging them. By knowing the exact location of these “wires,” surgeons can plan safer surgeries and reduce the risk of affecting important functions like movement or speech.
Under OBIO’s LSCTC Centre of Excellence’s technology adoption stream, Synaptive Medical will be testing Modus Plan in real-world surgical situations. The focus will be on how easy the software is to use, how well it fits into existing surgical routines, and how it impacts the outcomes of the surgeries performed.
The AI in Modus Plan helps automate the process of mapping the brain, making it easier for surgeons to navigate during operations. The software integrates smoothly with existing medical imaging systems and can work alongside Synaptive’s own surgical navigation tools like Modus X as well as other platforms.
Synaptive Medical will also provide training for surgeons at St. Michael’s Hospital to ensure they can make the most of this technology, which is already in use at top surgical centres in the United States.
“We are excited to see how Modus Plan can improve the precision of brain surgeries and enhance patient outcomes,” said Cameron Piron, Chief Strategy Officer, President, and Cofounder of Synaptive Medical. “This project reflects our dedication to advancing neurosurgical care with innovative tools.”
“We are proud to support this collaboration between Synaptive and Unity Health through OBIO’s LSCTC Centre of Excellence,” said Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “We believe this cutting-edge AI technology could significantly boost the accuracy and safety of brain surgeries, leading to reduced surgical risks and better outcomes for patients.”