RIVANNA Receives $800,000 Grant to Enhance AI Ultrasound for Neuraxial Anesthesia
RIVANNA®, known for its pioneering imaging-based medical technologies, has made headlines by securing an impressive $800,000 grant from the Virginia Catalyst Program. This funding, which is set to significantly bolster the development of their Accuro® 3S diagnostic ultrasound system, showcases the company's commitment to improving healthcare practices.
In collaboration with notable academic institutions such as the University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), RIVANNA aims to refine their technological solution to meet the critical demands within the field of anesthesia. This joint effort, spearheaded by esteemed professionals including Dr. William Manson from UVA and Dr. David Evans from VCU, underscores the importance of partnerships between academic and private sectors in fostering innovation.
The primary goal of this project is to enhance the precision of neuraxial procedures with real-time needle guidance. The Accuro 3S system is set to revolutionize how clinicians approach these complex procedures, notably for patients with unique anatomical challenges or higher body mass indexes (BMIs). The direct benefits include heightened patient safety, greater satisfaction, and improved efficiency in administering epidurals.
A key feature of the Accuro 3S will be the incorporation of a Dual-Array™ ultrasound probe that operates seamlessly with RIVANNA’s proprietary machine learning algorithm, known as SpineNav-AI™. This technology is designed to automate the identification of spinal landmarks and facilitate continuous tracking of the needle, promising a groundbreaking step forward in procedural accuracy.
Throughout the course of the project, Dr. Manson and Dr. Evans will oversee clinical and integration studies at their respective universities, collaborating closely with RIVANNA to ensure the readiness of the platform for clinical use. This research is crucial in evaluating not only the performance of the system but also its usability and potential for widespread adoption within medical settings.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the grant, RIVANNA has been able to match this funding with an additional $1.6 million from undisclosed sources, indicating a strong belief in the economic and clinical viability of the Accuro 3S project. The company anticipates commencing commercialization of the product by late 2025, a timeline that promises to usher in significant advancements in patient outcomes and set a new standard of care for neuraxial anesthesia across both Virginia and the broader United States.
"This collaborative initiative highlights the pivotal role of academic-industry partnerships in the advancement of next-generation medical technologies," said Will Mauldin, RIVANNA's CEO. He further stated that the integration of advanced AI technologies into clinical practice aims to enhance the overall safety and precision of neuraxial anesthesia procedures.
For RIVANNA, this initiative is more than just a project; it is a testament to the continuous evolution of healthcare innovations that not only elevate the standards of care but also reinforce Charlottesville's reputation as a leading hub for medical technology advancements in Virginia. As they pave the way for future medical innovations, RIVANNA is committed to not only improving patient outcomes but also setting new benchmarks in how medical technologies are developed and implemented.