Anaut, a surgical support software developer, has received approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for Eureka α, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surgical visualisation tool.
Eureka α is designed to improve surgeon accuracy by using AI to analyse real-time video from robotic and laparoscopic surgery. It highlights the dissection planes characterised by connective tissue.
Anaut said that connective tissue serves as a crucial landmark and is essential for surgical navigation during surgeries.
Eureka α provides a secondary monitor view that is different from the primary surgical display to maximise the surgeon’s visual field.
The technique uses deep learning and computer vision to enhance surgical safety and precision, backed by expert-guided training data.
Eureka α is the result of a collaboration involving more than 20 Japanese academic research institutions and medical university hospitals.
The initiative has received support from key public entities including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and Kawasaki City, among others.
Additionally, the surgical visualisation tool supports surgical operations, helps young surgeons in mastering intricate techniques through enhanced visual guidance, and bolsters confidence in their performance.
Anaut’s flagship product, Surgical Vision Eureka, is utilised in educational and research environments as a non-medical tool.
The surgical support software developer aims to broaden its technology’s scope to encompass gynaecological and urological surgeries.
Anaut stated: “With no equivalent devices currently approved for clinical use outside of Japan, Eureka α has garnered international attention, paving the way for expansion into the US and global markets.”
