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Challenge tracks
General Surgery Track
Pre-Operative Safety
The current procedure: There is a designated ritual where the team fills a form called "Time Out". During this ritual the entire operating team reviews the patient's identity, the procedure and surgical site prior to the procedure in order to avoid mistakes and ensure optimal surgical care.
The problem: Like any other ritual, "Time Out" is not devoid of mistakes - it is time consuming and creates more work for the team. Naturally, after a certain period of time the team will begin to do it without the appropriate caution which may lead to errors.
The goal: Revaluate the pre-operative procedure and automatize it, thus reducing the probability of mistakes occurring as a result of insufficient preparation. Additionally, find a proper replacement which will reduce the team's workload and increase patient safety.
Plastic Surgery Track
3D Modelling of Breast Reduction Surgery
The current procedure: Breast reduction surgery today is based solely on the professional ability of the surgeon and his experience from past surgeries.
The Problem: The operation plan is based solely on the surgeon's expertise and past experience. There is no way pre-op to gauge the success of the procedure, nor a way to see what the final result may look like.
The goal: To develop a tool that will allow the surgeon to precisely plan the procedure beforehand and visualize it's result for both them and the patient. Ideally it should also allow the surgeon to model changes over time such as skin stretching and weight gain.
Women's Health Track
Early Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression
The current procedure: Diagnosis of postpartum depression is based off a questionnaire filled out by the patient.
The problem: The questionnaire is based on self reporting by the patient and does not allow for an accurate metric that would lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
The goal: Find a technological and objective solution to replace the questionnaire, which will lower the amount of missed diagnoses of postpartum depression and allow for early intervention and treatment.
Hospital Without Borders Track
Remote Medicine Accessibility
The problem: For many patients, getting to the hospital to receive medical treatment may be challenging for various reasons. For example, they may be bedridden or physically disabled; immunocompromised; living in areas where primary or secondary care services are not available. In addition, the cost of treatment provided at the hospital is more expensive and often times less effective than treatment in the normal living environment (home/work).
In light of there being limited medical resources in the future, this problem might become more and more significant for different populations.
The need: Finding ways to make healthcare accessible (whether it’s chronic patients follow up / monitoring, Primary and secondary care, or preventive care) to patients wherever they are.
Dermatology Track
Improved Remote Diagnosis of Dermatological Diseases and Lesions
The current procedure: Patients today can schedule a remote conference with the dermatologist to allow for diagnosis from within their own home. The remote treatment requires the patient to image the condition using their phone.
The Problem: Due to the lack of medical knowledge and experience of the patient, capturing the lesion is often done inadequately in a non-diagnostic manner. This decreases treatment efficacy and consume precious time.
The goal: Develop a solution which will simplify the imaging process and allow for an improved quality of treatment.
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Treatment of hydrocephalus
The current procedure: Modern treatment of Hydrocephalus involves a surgical procedure - insertion of a small plastic tube, called a VP shunt, which drains excess CSF from the brain to the peritoneal cavity.
The Problem: There are many complications with the modern method. Blockage of the VP shunt, Infections, and either over or under-draining. All of these require another life-threatening surgical procedure.
The goal: Develop a new, non-infective, solution that can control the rate of drainage according to the level of fluid. Alternatively, develop a novel solution.