#USA #Breast Cancer #Salt Lake City #Intermountain Health #Perimeter Claire™

Introduction

In a groundbreaking step for breast cancer surgery, Intermountain Health has become the first health system in the United States to incorporate Perimeter Medical Imaging AI's revolutionary Claire™ OCT System into its clinical practice. This FDA-approved device leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide remarkable real-time insights during breast-conserving surgeries, addressing a challenge that many surgeons face: how to effectively identify difficult-to-detect cancerous tissue in a timely manner.

The Need for Advanced Solutions

Breast cancer surgery often involves delicate decisions regarding tissue removal—too little can allow undetected cancer to persist, while too much can lead to unwanted cosmetic results. According to research, about 20% of patients require additional surgical procedures due to cancer that was not identified during the initial operation. This not only adds stress to patients but also imposes significant pressures on surgeons and healthcare resources. As Dr. Teresa Reading, a breast surgeon at Intermountain Health, emphasizes, providing the best surgical outcomes for patients in a single procedure is a top priority for surgeons.

The Role of Claire™

Perimeter's Claire™ analyzes tissue structures that may be cancerous, even those invisible to the naked eye. This advanced imaging tool employs optical coherence tomography (OCT)—a technology traditionally employed in fields like ophthalmology—to yield cellular-level visualizations in real-time. During surgeries, the AI component of Claire™ identifies areas that require the surgeon's attention, thus assisting them in making more informed decisions throughout the procedure.

Integration into Surgical Practice

The deployment of Claire™ was seamless within the OR, as Dr. Reading recounted her experience with its integration into her existing workflow. The AI-driven features offered an added layer of insight, guiding her focus to specific regions of concern. By identifying suspicious tissue areas in real-time, Claire™ empowers surgeons to optimize their decision-making as they operate on patients. This technology is currently operational at Intermountain Health’s LDS Hospital and American Fork Hospital, highlighting their commitment as a leader in surgical innovation.

Impact on Patient Care

The introduction of AI into surgical environments marks a significant shift in how patient care can be delivered. Phillip Wood, Executive Program Director of Intermountain Ventures, stated that reducing unnecessary follow-up surgeries not only alleviates burdens on families but also lessens the overall strain on healthcare systems. The information Claire™ delivers at the surgical point of care stands to reshape how surgeons approach procedures, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

The partnership between Intermountain Health and Perimeter signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of cancer care. As Adrian Mendes, CEO of Perimeter, remarks, the commercial deployment of Claire™ inside an operating room is a historic milestone for the integration of FDA-approved, AI-powered tools in surgical practices. Moving forward, this technology holds great potential in transforming not only breast cancer surgeries but also paving the way for advancements in other surgical fields as well.

Conclusion

Intermountain Health's utilization of Perimeter's Claire™ showcases the exciting intersection of AI and healthcare, making significant strides in the fight against breast cancer. By improving the diagnosis process and potentially reducing the number of repeat surgeries, there is hope for more patients to experience favorable outcomes with less stress and fewer procedures. As this technology matures, it may establish a new standard in surgical excellence and patient care in the fight against cancer.