Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GAP SIMULATOR (Novel Calculation and Analysis Method, Planning and Application Platform That Personalizes the Mathematical Definition of Spinal Alignment and Shape (GAP Simulator))
Période du rapport: 2020-01-01 au 2020-04-30
The prevalence of spinal disorders have increased due to recent technological advancements, changing daily life practices, and rising of average age within society. It is anticipated that spinal diseases will be of concern to more than 60% of people who are aged 60 and above. Despite the best efforts in calculation and planning, dissatisfaction rates after non-operative treatment, and mechanical complication rates after surgery are very high (>33%, 1 in 3 patients). When operations are planned according to the current, widely used population-based averages approach, mechanical complications can occur even when the achieved correction is within the recommended ranges. Approximately 50% of patients who experience a mechanical complication require a second intervention. To eliminate the negative outcomes resulting from the use of population-based analysis there is a need for personalised analysis. The GAP Simulator will allow personalized planning and automated simulation, reduce mechanical complication and reintervention rates. Mitigating the risk of complications, and thus the revision surgeries, GAP Simulator will reduce costs and provide savings in terms of health economics. The outcomes of the feasibility study activities have influenced our decision to continue with development and commercialisation.
We have formulated a sound development roadmap, IP strategy and business plan to ensure that the our project is completed and commercialised. Project results have highlighted the technical, technological and commercial activities that require completion. This enabled us to map the most sustainable and penetrable route to market. Potential clients and distributors across Europe and worldwide have been identified with the appropriate marketing tools being developed to reach them.
The GAP Concept comprises a novel sagittal shape and alignment analysis method referred to as the GAP Score and an application platform referred to as the GAP Simulator which abandons the currently used population-based averages approach and adopts a personalised medicine approach. GAP analysis distinguishes whether the identified presence and extent of deviations from ideal are resulted from diseases or from compensation, thus, allows more accurate decision-making. The platform is an easy to use software that provides end to end solutions. The GAP analysis is the first revolutionary system developed for prevention of mechanical complications and revisions by subject-specific planning.