AI Revolution in Operating Rooms: VitVio Secures €1.8M to Enhance Surgical Efficiency

London-based startup VitVio, founded by Dr. Peter Rennert, Aleks Pajewski, Thomas Knox, and Maks Kozarzewski, has successfully secured €1.8 million in pre-seed funding to revolutionize operating rooms through AI-driven efficiency and safety enhancements. The funding round was led by LDV Capital, with notable participation from Bek Ventures, co-managed by Cem Sertoglu, along with contributions from Tiny Supercomputer Investment Company and angel investors.

AI Revolution in Operating Rooms: VitVio Secures €1.8M to Enhance Surgical Efficiency
Founders of VitVio: Dr. Peter Rennert, Aleks Pajewski, Thomas Knox, Maks Kozarzewski

London-based startup VitVio has raised €1.8 million in pre-seed funding to advance its AI-powered platform, aiming to optimize operating rooms in hospitals by improving efficiency, patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. The funding round, led by LDV Capital, also saw participation from Bek Ventures, Tiny Supercomputer Investment Company, and angel investors.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) NHS Foundation Trust, a prominent institution known for its expertise in orthopaedic care, has launched a pilot program using VitVio’s platform. The program seeks to enhance surgical safety and efficiency through real-time data monitoring and analysis. Thomas Knox, Co-Founder and CEO of VitVio, stated, “The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is known as one of the UK’s leading institutions in terms of outcomes and efficiency and, naturally, they have decided to utilize our platform and leverage the cutting-edge AI technology to even further increase the efficiency of surgical procedures.”

Founded by Thomas Knox, Dr. Peter Rennert, Maks Kozarzewski, and Aleks Pajewski, VitVio combines expertise in computer vision and AI with practical applications in healthcare. The team’s background includes over 150 successful deployments at AiFi and Standard AI, where they honed technologies now adapted to tackle inefficiencies in hospitals. According to the company, operating rooms account for approximately 40% of hospital expenditures, underlining the urgent need for solutions like VitVio’s platform.

The technology integrates cameras and sensors within operating rooms, seamlessly connecting with existing hospital information systems. Through advanced AI algorithms, the platform tracks various aspects of surgeries, including tool usage, adherence to protocols, and the progression of surgical stages. Medical staff access this information in real-time via a dashboard, receiving updates on surgery status, time estimates, and alerts for deviations from standard procedures.

Cem Sertoglu, Managing Partner at Bek Ventures

Cem Sertoglu, Managing Partner Bek Ventures

Hospital administrators and operating room coordinators benefit from detailed analytics that assist in optimizing scheduling, resource allocation, and overall utilization. Post-surgery, the platform generates comprehensive reports, highlighting areas for improvement and facilitating debriefing sessions for surgical teams. These insights support continuous learning and contribute to evidence-based strategies for better surgical practices.

The NHS faces increasing challenges, with 7.6 million people on waiting lists as of April 2024, a significant rise compared to previous years. Steve Washbourne, Executive Director of Finance at ROH, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting, “New technology is one area we have been keen to explore – though this collaboration isn’t just about advanced technology. It is about empowering our staff with the tools they need to focus on what matters most – providing the best care for patients.”

In the United States, inefficiencies in operating rooms reportedly result in €67.9 billion in excess annual costs, excluding broader delays and complications. VitVio’s platform addresses these issues by reducing surgical errors, improving resource allocation, and minimizing waste.

Investors have expressed strong confidence in VitVio’s potential. Evan Nisselson, Founder and General Partner at LDV Capital, emphasized the transformative impact of the technology, stating, “VitVio will deliver a leapfrog technical solution to operating theaters by leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence.” Similarly, Cem Sertoglu, Managing Partner at Bek Ventures, highlighted the significant opportunities AI can bring to healthcare.

The recent funding will enable VitVio to expand its platform capabilities and deploy its technology in hospitals across the UK, US, and Europe. The company plans to announce additional partnerships with leading healthcare institutions in the coming months.