EchoPixel, a startup that has developed True 3D, a medical visualization software platform, is undoubtedly one of the favorite stops when touring the Fogarty Institute.
Using 3D glasses and a special display, physicians now have the opportunity to view and interact with patients’ organs as if they were real physical objects. The software offers an unprecedented way to examine patients’ anatomy from every angle, thus assisting in better assessing ailments and planning medical procedures.
EchoPixel’s technology has been well received by the medical community. Recently, the startup forged a partnership with computer giant Hewlett-Packard to bring the company’s virtual reality display, the Zvr, into healthcare. Coupled with EchoPixel’s software solution, the partners are aiming to reduce the time it takes to diagnose medical conditions and improve outcomes.
EchoPixel was also invited by GE Healthcare to showcase its technology at GE’s booth at the American Society of Echocardiography’s 27th Annual Scientific Sessions, which was held in June in Washington. “As the leader in medical imaging, GE is an exceptional corporate partner for EchoPixel,” said Ron Schilling, CEO of EchoPixel.
One of the key differentiators contributing to EchoPixel’s success, is its ability to accurately measure its impact on clinical and workflow improvements. The results have shown significant gains in patient outcomes. “True 3D allows doctors to focus directly on the clinical problem at hand, rather than having to solve a 3D problem with a 2D view,” said Sergio Aguirre, CTO of EchoPixel.
A few examples of recent clinical studies show the potential for EchoPixel to change the healthcare landscape in future applications:
- The software helped Stanford physicians find up to 90 percent more congenital heart defects in newborns in 40 percent less time.
- The software helped Boston Scientific researchers to accurately size and dramatically reduce the sizing time of left atrial appendage occlusion devices. The testing, conducted at Boston Scientific, showed sizing time reduced from 40 minutes to two.
- Clinical testing from Lahey Hospital and Medical Center showed neurosurgeons were able to more accurately size a stent for a patient undergoing brain aneurysm embolization surgery. The 2D flat screens were off by 4.5 millimeters, which is significant considering the delicate anatomy in this part of the body.
- A trial done at Stanford for evaluating brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) showed that True 3D provides equal or better results than angiography, which is more invasive and exposes patients to radiation.
EchoPixel’s True 3D is FDA 510K cleared for diagnosis and surgical planning using CT and MRI image data. Some current clinical customers include Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami; the Hospital for Sick Children and Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania; and Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey.