Cyber Surgery and Vicomtech collaborate on the SURAI project and develop an intelligent surgical decision support system

Vicomtech and Cyber Surgery have collaborated in SURAI to develop a Surgical Decision Support System that assists surgeons in the planning process of lumbar fusions created by the Robotic Assistant ALAYA.

Surgical planning is one of the fundamental stages in image-guided robotic surgeries, where the surgeon defines exactly the surgical approach, as well as the position of the implants to be inserted. It is increasingly important that surgeries are adapted to the anatomy and/or pathology of each patient, and the surgeon's own preferences must also be considered. In the SURAI project, several AI algorithms have been developed for ALAYA to automate the planning phase and adapt it to the specific case of each patient. The Decision Support system developed uses algorithms to analyze the anatomy of a specific patient and the knowledge of previous surgical procedures. Combining both elements, it offers optimal surgical plans customized for the specific patient, considering also the surgeon's operating preferences. Thanks to the results of the project, the robot can help perform increasingly personalized surgeries.

After identifying this need, Cyber Surgery has led the project by defining the development phases and the architecture of the system, defining the relevant information based on surgical planning and developing a robotic simulator faithful to its real system.

Vicomtech has contributed its knowledge in deep learning, medical image analysis, data science and digital twin technologies.

This collaboration allows for continued progress in the application of innovative technologies with the aim of guiding doctors in this type of procedure, maximizing precision and improving spinal surgeries with robotic surgery. 

The combination of pioneering technology, medical experience and support from Administration lays the foundation for future significant advances in the way patients are cared for.

The technology developed has great potential for its translation to other clinical areas because it combines sophisticated data analysis algorithms with the unique subjective experience of surgeons and shows that this is the best way to approach the integration of new technology in the operating room.

SURAI has been funded in the 2021 Call for Grants for research and development projects in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies and their integration into value chains c/-ED RED.ES, which recognized from the beginning the potential impact of the project and its involvement in the development of initiatives that address current challenges of society.