A startup using AI and computer vision to support the management of surgical tools and implants has closed a £3.8m funding round.

Scalpel AI was founded in 2017 by two doctors who had witnessed critical errors from the mismanagement of surgical tools.

The Essex-based company has developed technology to identify and track the performance of surgical instruments.

“The success of any surgery depends not only on what happens inside the operating theatre but also on having a smooth-running operation behind the scenes,” said Scalpel AI co-founder and CEO Dr Yeshwanth Pulijala.

“Together, we are making surgery safer for patients while paving the way for personalised surgery, which we believe is the future of healthcare.”

The startup works by generating digital twins of medical equipment, which is then examined with computer vision.

Scalpel AI’s computer vision technology also verifies whether surgical trays delivered to operating theatres contain the right equipment.

“We’ve tackled the initial difficulties of introducing advanced technology in a manual environment, closely collaborating with users to create a solution that fits their needs,” said Scalpel AI co-founder and chief technology officer Dr Shahnawaz Ahmed.

“Using proprietary AI algorithms and advanced computer vision, we demonstrated that Scalpel AI can eliminate supply chain errors and reduce handling time.”

The funding round was led by Mercia Ventures and included participation from Tensor Ventures.

“Ensuring that surgical trays contain the right equipment is essential for an effective healthcare system,” said Mercia Ventures’ Lee Lindley.

“Existing solutions use simple mechanisms such as barcodes, RFID tags, and manual validation.”

Lindley said: “Scalpel AI’s platform has the potential to transform how surgical trays are managed. This investment will enable the company to scale internationally and pursue its goal of being recognised as the industry standard.”

The startup has previously received grant funding from the government-backed Innovate UK.

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