Hyperspectral Tissue Differentiation with High-Resolution 3D Stereoscopic Vision for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Hypervision Surgical Limited (HVS), a UK based micro-SME, will deliver the _first_ high-resolution _hyperspectral imaging (HSI) 3D stereoscopic vision system_ allowing real-time intraoperative tissue characterisation for use during minimally invasive surgery (MIS). 3D HSI will create high-resolution images equipping surgeons with visual information to clearly differentiate boundaries between healthy and cancerous tissue. This game-changing technology will be transformative for oncology surgery, optimising crucial intraoperative decision-making and enabling surgeons to confidently navigate around healthy anatomical structures.

The combined UK cancer incidence rate is projected to increase by 2% between 2023-2040 (625 cases/100,000). Surgery is a core treatment. The adoption of MIS (e.g., laparoscopy) has many benefits (e.g., reduced hospital stays and costs, faster recovery times) when compared to conventional open surgery.

However, outcomes are variable as intraoperative decision-making remains sub-optimal due to restricted tissue visualisation. E.g., c.85% of prostatectomies result in complications (urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction) post-surgery due to tissue/nerve damage.

Innovative technologies such as 3D HSI will enhance MIS efficiency avoiding preventable post-surgical complications. Furthermore, when coupled with robotic assisted surgery (RAS), which is proven effective in reducing complications, it will lead to significantly increased surgical precision, reduced hospital re-admissions and repeat procedures. It will also address health care inequalities and the projected increase in the number of oncology procedures required by 2040\.

HVS comprises a strong interdisciplinary team with expertise to achieve commercial readiness at pace. Our existing patent-pending monocular (2D) HSI surgical guidance system will provide the foundations for the new 3D/stereo HSI platform.

By 2030, UK MIS market is estimated to account for 13.39% of the European market (£10,509.3m). The proposed technology will lead to HVS growth in this area, UK economic benefits and improved patient treatment.

Public funding allows HVS to reach the technical maturity required to attract follow-on private investment enabling clear commercialisation/go-to-market strategies.