in various industries and at different stages . They also stay connected to more than 20 other angel groups and swap notes for support to “ avoid the Theranostype of experience ,” he says .
“ It helps to have peer groups ,” Peters says , “ to get more eyes on what you ’ re looking at when you ’ re investing .”
‘ The operating room of the future ’
Before broad adoption can happen , medical technologies and health practitioners need training . This is a key component of the National Center for Interventional Biophotonic Technologies planned for Aggie Square . The P41 grant from National Institute of Health ’ s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering was awarded in June . The next phase involves creating the infrastructure , says Marcu , who is also the founding director of NCIBT . The new center will focus on research and development as well as educating and training for two optical imaging technologies : interventional fluorescence lifetime imaging and interferometric diffuse optical spectroscopy . Both noninvasive approaches measure how light diffuses through tissues , which helps surgeons distinguish healthy from altered cells . This data will then be integrated into deep-learning AI platforms to relay information on the tissue ’ s structure , composition , blood flow and metabolism .
Currently , physicians use CT scans , X-rays or MRIs prior to an operation to gather information and plan the procedure . These new technologies will provide real-time guidance during medical and surgical procedures . The premise is simple : If a clinician has access to easily readable , imaging information during an operation or patient monitoring , she will be able to make better decisions that improve outcomes . The data could be projected on a wall for the surgeon to see or visible through AR ( augmented reality ) goggles . The exact delivery method is yet to be determined , Marcu says , but surgeons of tomorrow will have such high-tech tools at their fingertips .
“ This is what the operating room of the future looks like ,” Marcu says . “ It ’ s a mix of technology , which is easily interfaceable , miniaturized , combined with a software platform that enables real-time processing of information and display in a readable , easy visualized format .”
Russell Nichols is a freelance writer who focuses on technology , culture and mental health . On Twitter @ russellnichols .
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