AI-enabled precision endoscopic surgery
Development of an ultrafast ultrasound platform for endoscopic image-guided surgery
PROJECT METRICS
The Challenge
Brain and spine surgeries are among the most complex and high-stakes procedures in medicine due to the delicate and critical nature of the central nervous system. The global incidence of glioblastoma, one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors, exceeds 250,000 cases annually. Despite standard treatment involving surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate remains just 3% due to the near-universal recurrence of the tumor. However, studies have shown that survival and quality of life are directly correlated with the accuracy of tumor resection, highlighting the need for tools that can improve intra-operative precision. Similarly, spinal decompression surgery—performed over 600,000 times annually in the U.S. alone—faces a revision rate of approximately 10% due to incomplete decompression.
The Solution – INOVAIT Project
Daxsonics, in collaboration with Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Health Authority, is advancing a revolutionary ultrafast ultrasound platform designed to transform minimally invasive brain and spine surgeries. Building on a previously developed prototype during their INOVAIT Pilot Fund project, which included the integration of the ultrasound probe with Synaptive’s neuro-navigation system. Their Focus Fund project builds on their current ultrasound technology to enable tissue identification and differentiation during surgery and advance the electronic hardware design for future commercialization. This next-generation ultrasound camera offers real-time, high-resolution imaging that enhances surgical precision and enables objective, intraoperative assessment. In brain surgery, particularly for aggressive tumors like glioblastoma, it can help ensure complete tumor resection—one of the most important factors in extending survival and improving quality of life—by detecting residual tumor tissue during the operation. In spinal procedures, such as nerve decompression, the technology provides immediate feedback to confirm complete decompression, reducing the need for revision surgeries. By enabling more accurate and tissue-preserving interventions through smaller incisions, Daxsonics’ ultrafast ultrasound platform promises to minimize complications, shorten recovery times, and significantly improve outcomes for patients facing complex neurological conditions.
Funding Type: Focus Fund
Year of Funding: 2022
INOVAIT Funding Amount: $1,169,795.84
Total Project Funding Amount: $3,509,387.50
Daxsonics Ultrasound
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Halifax, Daxsonics Ultrasound specializes in the development of advanced ultrasound devices, and is Canada’s go-to ultrasound design and development house having worked with many IGT companies around the world. As leaders of ultrasonic and micro-imaging technology creation and manufacturing, they act as a strategic partner on many INOVAIT projects. They play a critical role in those projects by supporting member companies in advancing pivotal IGT technology, and by providing companies with technical expertise and unrivaled engineering support.
"Daxsonics’ is honoured to be a part of the INOVAIT network which is enabling innovation and advancement to IGT technologies developed in Canada. The support from INOVAIT is what allows companies like Daxsonics to produce advanced medtech, like our endoscopic ultrasound probe, right here in Canada. At a time when innovation and productivity is more crucial than ever, INOVAIT is making projects feasible for SMEs across the country. "
Jeff Bethune
Operations Officer
Daxsonics Ultrasound