UK-Based Scalpel AI Raises €4.5 Million to Revolutionize Surgical Tool and Implant Management with Cutting-Edge Computer Vision Technology

London, UK — October 31, 2024 — Scalpel AI, a medtech innovator specializing in advanced computer vision for surgical tool and implant tracking, has secured £3.8 million (approximately €4.5 million) in funding. Led by Mercia Ventures with additional support from Tensor Ventures and private investors, this investment will propel Scalpel AI’s global expansion and support its mission to streamline surgical logistics, transforming sterile services and hospital operations around the world.
Scalpel AI’s groundbreaking technology provides a digital pathway for tracking surgical tools and implants as they move through the healthcare supply chain. From warehouses to sterile services, hospitals, and logistics partners like GlobalMed Logistix, the platform ensures surgical trays are complete, accurate, and ready for use, significantly reducing the risks associated with missing, misidentified, or misplaced tools in the operating room.
Lee Lindley of Mercia Ventures commented on the importance of Scalpel AI’s vision: “An efficient, error-free surgical setup is critical for healthcare quality and patient safety. While existing solutions often rely on barcodes, RFID tags, or manual processes, Scalpel AI offers a leap forward in managing surgical trays with precision. This investment not only enables their technology to scale globally but positions Scalpel AI to set a new industry standard.”
Addressing a Crucial Healthcare Challenge
Mismanagement of surgical tools and implants is a widespread issue, leading to costly delays, surgical errors, and even harm to patients. Missing instruments, incorrect implants, and accidental retention of surgical items remain persistent challenges in healthcare, exacerbated by staff shortages and increasing patient wait times.
Scalpel AI was founded in 2017 by Dr. Yeshwanth Pulijala to directly address these challenges after witnessing the problems firsthand during his PhD in medical visualization. Teaming up with Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed, an expert in computer vision, the pair established a platform to reimagine surgical logistics and improve patient safety across healthcare systems.
“The success of any surgery goes beyond the operating room; it involves the seamless coordination of tools and resources behind the scenes,” said Dr. Pulijala, Co-Founder & CEO of Scalpel AI. “We’re not just improving logistics; we’re creating a safer environment for patients and setting the stage for future personalized surgeries. Our collaboration with leading healthcare organizations and device manufacturers has shown that reducing supply chain errors can save millions of dollars annually.”
Using proprietary AI algorithms, Scalpel AI’s platform digitally verifies that surgical trays are complete before they arrive in the operating room, significantly lowering handling times and human errors by over 80%. “This allows our partners to dedicate more resources to patient care,” added Dr. Ahmed, Co-Founder and CTO. “Developing Scalpel’s technology has been both challenging and rewarding. Our team has worked closely with medical professionals to design a solution tailored to their needs, and we’re proud of the positive impact we’re creating.”
As Scalpel AI prepares to expand further into international markets, it continues to set a high bar in surgical logistics with a vision of advancing patient safety and cost efficiency. Based in London with a growing presence in the United States, Scalpel AI is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming surgical tool management through technology.