EndocartoScope: Transforming any Endoscope into a Smart Device for Intraoperative 3D Localization, Navigation and Mapping

Introduction

Endoscopes traversing cavities, such as the colon, larynx, or bladder, are routine in diagnostic and therapy. However, today endoscopes have no geometric understanding of the explored cavities. The unique EndoCartoScope value is a real-time intraoperative 3D cartography for endoscopy, i.e., a per-patient 3D map of the cavity simultaneous to the localization of the endoscope within the map, using only the video from a standard endoscope.

Short-term Goals

In the short term, EndoCartoScope unlocks the following capabilities:

• Detection of missing areas (coverage)
• AR navigation to improve coverage
• Measurements of polyps or stenoses

Long-term Vision

In the long term, it will be the key component for autonomy in any robotized endoscopic device.

Core Technology

Our core technology is VSLAM: Video-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping. Our starting point are the medical VSLAM key components developed by the UNIZAR team in the previous FET EndoMapper, which reached TRL3.

These components will be assembled in a working system at TRL4 to provide the base technology for:

1. Coverage
2. Navigation
3. Measurement

To reach TRL5, IISA will lead the clinical validation of these applications, using as a benchmark the standard metrics used in clinical practice. We will achieve TRL6 for coverage with an extensive test on ODIN visions commercial cloud system for endoscopy.

Business Perspective

From a business perspective, out-of-body VSLAM is a rapidly growing market. However, there are no commercial applications of medical VSLAM.

Now is the right time to pioneer medical VSLAM and secure a strong position in this highly promising market. We will develop the business model and identify the regulatory environment for commercialization.

Spin-off Development

By the end of the second year, the UNIZAR team will create a spin-off company with the technological know-how and exclusive IP rights to start the path to the market. After the project, the company will take over the goal of transforming standard endoscopes into smart 3D intraoperative devices at TRL9.