Method AI, a medical technology company focused on improving oncology outcomes through image-guided surgical navigation, announced today it has raised $20 million in Series A funding.
Method AI emerged from Cleveland Clinic in 2021 to resolve surgical visualization challenges experienced by their leading robotic surgeons. The financing round, led by a private family office with participation from Cleveland Clinic and JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund, will support continued development of the company’s novel surgical ultrasound platform.
Method AI’s technology visualizes anatomy that lies deep below the visible surface of an organ – anatomy that is beyond the view of today’s surgical camera systems. The platform will create a first-of-its-kind 3D subsurface map for physicians while providing them with real-time guidance against an AI-generated surgical plan. The company aims to significantly improve the cancer-free survival rate for patients, with the potential to reduce over $1 billion in annual cost from the broader healthcare system.
“In complex oncology procedures, surgeons often have to remove tumors that are partially or completely embedded within the organ, making it extremely difficult to gauge the margins of the tumor during a live surgery,” said Doug Teany, Co-Founder and CEO of Method AI. “This incomplete view of the tumor and other critical anatomy leads to cancer left behind, unforeseen complications and loss of organ function. With the support of our investment partners, our technology can make the difference between completely removing a tumor or leaving part of it behind, which significantly impacts long-term patient outcomes.”
Despite advancements in robotic and minimally invasive procedures, up to 40% of surgeries fail to fully remove the cancer. Method AI is developing a surgical navigation platform that allows for continuous 3D ultrasound imaging throughout a procedure. Its real-time algorithms build a map of critical subsurface features and will leverage machine learning to generate plans that guide physicians to the best possible surgical outcome.