Enabling image guidance for incisionless tumor treatment
How ImFusion combined advanced imaging research with scalable software architecture to help bring a novel oncology platform from preclinical development to commercial release.
Project overview
ImFusion helped develop the imaging foundation for an oncology platform that treats tumors without an incision. The system combines preoperative planning with robotic 3D ultrasound and image fusion to locate the target despite changes in patient position, tissue deformation, and limited visibility during treatment.
- Project type: Industry collaboration
- Clinical field: Oncology
- Expertise applied: Multimodal image registration / ultrasound / robotics integration / 3D visualization / machine learning / software architecture
- Project duration: since 2019 (ongoing)
- Project state: Commercial product with ongoing development
Treating tumors without an incision requires precise image guidance
The challenge
Preoperative images provide a detailed view of the tumor and surrounding anatomy, while ultrasound supplies information during treatment. Bringing these sources together required a reliable imaging workflow that could account for anatomical changes and operate within a complex robotic medical device.
- Combine preoperative imaging and planning with robotic 3D ultrasound
- Extract useful information from ultrasound with limited anatomical visibility
- Manage interactions between diagnostic imaging and the treatment device
- Integrate imaging into a system developed by several specialized teams
Our approach
We combined preclinical imaging research with product-grade software architecture based on the ImFusion SDK. A dedicated API gave multiple teams reliable access to imaging capabilities while allowing them to develop other system components independently. As an extended development partner, we helped deliver the first commercial release and continued to expand our contribution.
- Register images despite motion, deformation, and incomplete visibility
- Introduce machine learning progressively in later product releases
- Allow teams using different technologies to develop independently
The impact
Reliable image guidance helps the clinical team relate the treatment target defined before the procedure to the anatomy observed during treatment. This is particularly important when the available ultrasound shows only part of the anatomy and its appearance changes throughout the procedure.
- Enable a streamlined and highly automated treatment workflow
- Cope with real-life clinical conditions
- Ensure continuous improvement using preclinical and postmarket data
Our process
Explore clinical and technical feasibility
We worked alongside the preclinical research teams to investigate how ultrasound, preoperative imaging, and spatial information could be combined under the physical constraints of the treatment system.
Establish the software architecture
Using the ImFusion SDK, we designed a dedicated imaging interface covering medical image visualization, robotic ultrasound, image fusion, real time streaming, and data management. Clear connection points allowed other teams to develop the user interface, treatment functions, and robot control independently.
Build the first commercial release
ImFusion worked as part of the wider development team to turn the research into reliable product software. Our contribution grew as the platform progressed from preclinical development toward commercial use.
Expand the platform
Following the first release, we continued to develop new imaging capabilities and machine learning models. Current work covers further clinical indications, organs, patient setups, and software generations.
Advanced imaging research meets product engineering
ImFusion Technology
The ImFusion SDK provides the technological foundation for preoperative image visualization, robotic ultrasound processing, multimodal image fusion, real time streaming, and interactive 3D views. A dedicated interface connects these capabilities with the surrounding treatment, robotics, and user interface components.
ImFusion Expertise
We brought together specialists in ultrasound, image registration, robotics integration, medical data management, machine learning, and complex software architecture. This combination allowed us to address difficult imaging questions while helping the broader development organization build and evolve a commercial medical device.
We offer two types of introductory calls so we can make sure we’re speaking to the right audience.
Product Demo
In a product demo, we show you how the ImFusion Suite, SDK, and ImFusion Labels support medical imaging and data annotation workflows. We focus on the capabilities relevant to your application and discuss directly how our technology could fit into your product or support your use case.
- See integration points mapped to your specific tech stack
- Identify bottlenecks before committing development resources
- Validate data format compatibility and transformation requirements
- Get immediate answers from engineers who built the system
Discovery Call
In a discovery call, we learn about your clinical or technical challenge and discuss how ImFusion’s expertise and technology could help make your idea a reality. Together, we identify promising first steps and determine where we can add the most value.
- Identify technical risks and regulatory considerations early
- Align engineering, clinical, and business stakeholders quickly
- Get a realistic timeline and resource estimate
- Leave with actionable next steps, not vague promises