Montreal’s AI Surgical Device Extends Lives, Offers Hope

A groundbreaking surgical device developed in Montreal is transforming cancer treatment by utilizing artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes. Peter Ross, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor almost four years ago and given only 14 months to live, credits this innovative technology for giving him a second chance at life. Now, he and his wife, Sandrine Menard, are preparing to become grandparents, a milestone they attribute to the advancements made possible by the device.

Ross was referred to Dr. Kevin Petrecca at Montreal Neuro, who is a co-founder of the device known as SENTRY. This handheld tool plays a crucial role during surgery by distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue. Petrecca emphasizes the device’s reliability, stating, “98.7 per cent of the time, if it says it’s a tumor, it’s a tumor,” and adds, “if it says normal brain, it’s normal brain 100 per cent of the time.”

Cancer often eludes detection by the naked eye or other existing technologies, making SENTRY a significant advancement in surgical procedures. Petrecca explains, “You make contact with the spot, and you will get feedback within less than three seconds if it contains tumor cells or not.” This rapid response allows surgeons to remove more cancerous tissue than previously possible, potentially extending a patient’s life by two to five times longer than initially expected.

While SENTRY has been primarily tested during brain surgeries, its applications extend to detecting cancer in other areas of the body, such as the breast and lungs. Ross is among hundreds of patients who have participated in clinical trials, and he expresses gratitude for the extra time he has gained. “I take every extra day that’s given to me to go out and walk, and just enjoy life because I owe that to this surgery,” he said.

As SENTRY prepares for its next critical step—seeking FDA approval—a pivotal trial is scheduled for May 2024. Ross remains hopeful that this medical advancement will soon help more patients achieve their life goals and experience significant milestones. The potential of SENTRY not only exemplifies the power of innovation in healthcare but also offers a renewed sense of hope for those facing dire diagnoses.