Project Brief
The start-up is a medtech company dedicated to advancing the safety and effectiveness of neuraxial anaesthesia procedures. Founded by a team of clinicians and engineers, this startup focuses on developing user-friendly, AI-driven solutions that help reduce the guesswork and variability associated with spinal and epidural anaesthesia. With a commitment to continuous clinical validation, this start-up aims to provide cost-effective, high-precision tools that support anaesthesiologists, pain management specialists, and perioperative care teams worldwide.
Overview of the Technology
The solution consists of two core components: an AI-driven ultrasound guidance system and an assisted positioning and marking system.
Ultrasound Guidance System: AI-powered software that identifies key spinal landmarks such as the interspinous space, midline, and estimated epidural depth. It integrates with various ultrasound machines and provides real-time annotations to improve procedural efficiency and success rates.
Positioning and Marking System: A supplementary tool that translates ultrasound-guided entry points and angles onto the patient’s skin. This system records probe angle and indentation during scanning and includes a sterile needle guide for accurate insertion. By capturing both position and angle, it provides a reproducible reference for needle trajectory, reducing reliance on manual techniques.
Regulatory Status & Clinical Validation
The technology has achieved regulatory approval in key markets, including CE Mark certification in Europe. Initial clinical adoption has yielded promising results, with peer-reviewed studies indicating improvements such as:
Higher first-pass success rates: Reduced needle redirections and overall attempts, particularly in challenging patient groups (e.g., obese, elderly).
Accelerated learning curve: AI-assisted guidance supports trainees in developing competency with neuraxial ultrasound imaging.
Reduction in complications: Lower incidence of accidental dural punctures, post-dural puncture headaches, and patient discomfort.
Medical Experts Specialties:
Anaesthesiologists (of various seniorities)
Physicians (ICU, emergency, pain management) who use or could use neuraxial anaesthesia.
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years in clinical practice
Industry Experts Specialties:
Commercialization
Market access
Reimbursement
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years in ultrasound field specializing in market entry, commercialization, or regulatory roles within multinational corporations (MNCs)
Geographical Focus Key Regions: Germany, Netherlands and France
Purpose of this Interview / Questionnaire
Map Current Clinical Practice
Understand how anaesthesiologists, pain specialists, and perioperative care teams currently perform neuraxial blocks, including the use of ultrasound guidance (if any).
Identify pain points, unmet needs, and workflow challenges in delivering epidural or spinal anaesthesia.
Gather Product Feedback
Obtain perspectives on how product can integrate into existing clinical workflows.
Explore essential features, user-interface needs, training requirements, and potential barriers to adoption.
Collect expert opinions on how best to demonstrate clinical and economic value.
Discuss Commercial Opportunities
Explore pathways for distribution partnerships, hospital-based product trials, and potential collaborations with training centers.
Gain insights on country-specific reimbursement models and decision-making processes in hospital procurement.
Shape a launch strategy that aligns with local purchasing habits, regulatory frameworks, and clinical priorities.
Interview: Advisors will provide feedback through an interview with VentureBlick team consisting of approximately 25-30 open-ended and rating questions focused on market potential, usability, and clinical impact.
Estimated Time Commitment: 1 hour call and an additional 30-45 minutes to review materials prior to the call
Compensation: $200 USD per hour