A BELFAST-based medical imaging technology firm has formed a strategic partnership with a technology company in the US which will see them provide 3D-printed solutions to help physicians in their treatment of aneurysms.
Axial3D, which creates models of the human anatomy to assist surgeons in critical operations, will liaise with Boston and Paris-based medical specialist Biomodex, whose mission is to transform the way physicians train and rehearse procedures.
The partnership will enable Biomodex to speed the production of 3D-printed brain aneurysm models by reducing the time it takes to transform 2D medical images to 3D visuals.
An estimated 6.5 million (or one in 50) people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation says.
So the new 'Evias' solution allows neuroradiologists to simulate interventions in advance to help physicians choose the optimal device and approach for each individual patient.
The Belfast-invented AI-enabled 'Segmentation-as-a-Service' platform automatically transforms two-dimensional medical images into 3D visuals in minutes.
This allows 3D print models of the brain arteries to be produced and distributed within days to an international customer base.
Axial3D was created in 2014 to create orthopaedic models that uses patients' CT and MRI scans to make individual scaled 3D models of their injuries.
“We are incredibly excited to be announcing this partnership with Biomodex, whose market offerings are truly ground-breaking for the physicians and patients who benefit from them,” Axial3D chief executive Roger Johnston said.
“For our company to be further able to fuel our global scaling and, in parallel, transform the speed of delivery, providing a higher standard of care to aneurysm patients globally, is inspiring,” he added.
The deal with Biomodex was rubber-stamped following an NIO-promoted business and innovation showcase in London which saw companies from across Northern Ireland showcase their products, services and expertise to potential investors, partners and clients from around the world.
Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “Not only is this deal a fantastic boost for an innovative Belfast-based business, but it also means that more physicians will be able to train, and more patients will be able to benefit from this potentially life-saving technology.”
Over the course of a multi-year partnership Axial3D and Biomodex will deliver 3D segmentation and measurement services for not only complex aneurysm at a huge scale, but increasingly for cardiovascular applications.
