Medtronic, Cydar Treat First Patient in AI Pilot Program

Medtronic today announced that the first patient has been treated in a global pilot program in collaboration with Cydar Medical using the company’s AI technology to enhance case support for physicians to validate long-term predictive capabilities and improve patient care. As part of Medtronic’s aortic business, the pilot spans up to 40 sites in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe.

Cydar’s AI technology, Cydar EV Maps, changes the way information is given to physicians while doing image-guided minimally invasive surgery, according to Medtronic, stating that the AI generates a “3D map of patient soft tissue to support and integrate pre-operative planning, intra-operative guidance, and post-operative review of endovascular minimally invasive surgery, using AI to update the map throughout the patient journey.”

The company said it chose Cydar as its partner in the pilot program based on independent studies that showed its AI technology offered half the radiation exposure for patients and the clinical team, a simplification of clinical workflow, and increased clinician confidence which could significantly reduce procedure times.

"This is an important milestone for Cydar, to be working with Medtronic to accelerate the adoption of our AI-solution by the global endovascular community,” said Paul Mussenden, CEO of Cydar, in a press release. “The goal is to provide clinicians with a more predictable and efficient way to perform minimally invasive image-guided procedures. We look forward to supporting the treatment of additional patients across the planned 40 sites and to continue the introduction of the exciting product developments we have planned over the course of the year ahead.”

The first patient treated as part of the pilot received endovascular treatment earlier in August at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL, by vascular and endovascular surgeon, George Pontikis, MD.

“This cutting-edge technology empowers us with the ability to navigate complex vascular procedures with greater precision, ensuring optimal outcomes for our patients,” Pontikis said. “We are honored to be a part of this innovative program and are eager to contribute to the advancement of endovascular aortic surgery.”

According to Medtronic, it is the first medical device company to “enter a public strategic collaboration in digital endovascular technology to advance aortic patient treatment decisions…”

“This is a significant milestone in Medtronic’s collaboration with Cydar Medical as we aim to revolutionize endovascular aortic treatment with cutting-edge, digital solutions,” said Nina Goodheart, SVP and president of the Structural Heart & Aortic business at Medtronic. “We look forward to continued progress toward our vision to provide physicians with enhanced knowledge to get the best possible outcomes for their patients.”