#Japan #Tokyo #AR Technology #Solasentis #TH-ZEY

Introduction

In an impressive stride towards enhancing medical safety, the augmented reality (AR) medical imaging program known as 'TH-ZEY' has recently been officially certified as a medical device by the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) as of April 1. This certification not only affirms the device’s compliance with medical standards but opens the door for its incorporation into health insurance billing, paving the way for adoption across numerous healthcare institutions.

Background on Solasentis and the Use of AR Technology

Solasentis, a company backed by Creek & River Co., aims at leveraging AR technology to increase the safety of procedures such as thoracic drainage. The visionary behind this initiative, Dr. Kenji Suzuki, who is also a professor at Juntendo University’s respiratory surgery department, has dedicated himself to applying augmented reality in medicine to enhance patients' safety during medical procedures. The foundation of this project stemmed from donations and was formalized into a company in February 2023 to further advance its commercial applications.

Facing the Age-Old Challenges of Thoracic Drainage

Thoracic drainage is one of the oldest surgical procedures, dating back to Hippocrates in ancient Greece. Despite being fundamental to modern surgical practice, it has seen its share of serious incidents leading to fatalities. Continuous warnings from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare highlight the persistent risks associated with this procedure. An essential question arises: why has modern medicine not been able to eliminate these dangers? The answer lies primarily in the physical limitations presented by air-involved surgical fields, where ultrasound machines—the eyes of medical practitioners—struggle to function effectively.

Harnessing AR Technology for Enhanced Safety

To overcome these challenges, Solasentis has integrated AR technology into clinical practice. Its flagship device, 'TH-ZEY', allows medical professionals to overlay CT images directly onto the patient’s body, facilitating a near 'X-ray vision' guiding mechanism during procedures. This innovative advancement not only redefines the standards of medical safety but represents an inevitable evolution in the field aimed at protecting lives.

Current Practices and Associated Risks

Typically, healthcare professionals cannot continuously observe the tips of the puncture instruments during thoracic drainage, which poses a significant risk of organ damage and increases the occurrence of fatal accidents. By employing the 'TH-ZEY' program, the practitioners can perform procedures with enhanced visual clarity and reduced risks, a much-needed step forward in thoracic care.

About Dr. Kenji Suzuki

Dr. Kenji Suzuki is not only the CEO of Solasentis but also a prominent professor at Juntendo University's department of respiratory surgery. Having graduated from the Defense Medical University in 1990 and gaining robust clinical experience, Dr. Suzuki has received numerous accolades including awards from the Japanese Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Cancer Society. His commitment to integrating technology into healthcare optimizes medical practices and elevates patient care standards.

Company Overview: Solasentis

Founded in February 2023, Solasentis is located at 2-17-12 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Kenji Suzuki. The company focuses on developing medical devices through AR technology, aimed at improving existing surgical practices. For additional information on their innovative products, visit their website at Solasentis.

Company Overview: Creek & River Co.

Creek & River Co., established in March 1990, is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The company operates in various sectors, including media production, AI technology, and more, currently expanding its services across 18 domains. Learn more about their diverse operations at C&R Group.