The investment will support Laza Medical’s development of an imaging system that combines AI and robotics to help guide complex cardiac procedures.
Laza Medical, a Shifamed portfolio company developing AI-powered robotic imaging for cardiac interventions, has raised up to $160 million in Series B structured financing, with GE HealthCare leading the round. The funding round also included returning investors Unorthodox Ventures, PA MedTech, and AMED.
The Los Gatos, California, company says the funding will support its effort to reshape the cardiac catheterization laboratory with imaging technology designed to simplify procedures, increase autonomy, alleviate resource constraints, and open the door to future robotic-enabled interventions.
Laza Medical points to rising procedural complexity as the driver. Care teams need more intuitive and consistent image guidance amid growing demand for specialized imaging expertise, according to the company. By combining AI and robotics, Laza Medical says its system has the potential to simplify procedural imaging and extend the reach of that expertise.
“Integrating imaging modalities so they work seamlessly together has the potential to redefine the cath lab, enabling more efficient workflows today and paving the way for smarter, robotic procedures tomorrow,” says Jyoti Gera, CEO of cardiovascular and interventional solutions, advanced imaging solutions at GE HealthCare, in a release. She adds that GE HealthCare is looking forward to expanding its collaboration with Laza Medical.
Firas Zahr, MD, head of interventional cardiology at Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital, had experience with the software during the first-in-human clinical study last year. “Consistent anatomic and spatial context simplifies procedures and helps clinicians navigate the anatomy with confidence and precision,” he says in a release.
Amr Salahieh, founder and board chairman at Laza Medical, says that investor support validates the company’s approach. “The cath lab is poised for a fundamental evolution, and intelligent imaging powered by AI will play a defining role in what comes next,” he says. Salahieh adds that the company is confident the solution will streamline processes, reduce variability, and ultimately improve the quality and reach of cardiac procedures.
The Laza Medical System is under development and is not approved for commercial sale in any geography.
ID 61260680 © Pichetw | Dreamstime.com
