In a striking advancement for surgical imaging, Ocutrx Technologies Inc. has announced a first-of-its-kind innovation that allows surgeons to see through blood in real time during procedures. The new feature, called HemoLucence™, is integrated into the company’s OR-Bot™ 3D Surgical Microscope System and aims to transform how surgeons visualize obscured anatomy without the need for suction or irrigation.
The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025 and positions Ocutrx—a company known for its AR/XR and surgical visualization platforms—at the forefront of a rapidly evolving surgical technology market.
Rendering Blood Translucent: A Surgical First
At the core of this breakthrough is a proprietary AI-powered imaging engine developed by Ocutrx’s Genius Labs. Using advanced digital volumetric reconstruction and de-scattering algorithms, the HemoLucence technology makes blood appear translucent, revealing vessels, nerves, and tissue otherwise hidden during active bleeding.
In initial tests, the system has successfully visualized structures through 3 millimeters of whole human blood. Future tests aim to increase this to at least half an inch—an unprecedented level of real-time anatomical visibility during surgery.
“This is a monumental achievement for the future of surgery,” said Michael A. H. Freeman, CEO/CTO of Ocutrx. “Our Genius Labs team worked tirelessly to develop this technology, which sets a new bar for surgical precision and visualization.”
Beyond Optical Limits: Physics Meets AI
Traditional surgical microscopes rely on optical clarity, often limited by the scattering of light caused by red blood cells. The HemoLucence system takes a radically different approach, using computational physics and neural networks to distinguish between absorbed and scattered light. The AI model then reconstructs a clear 3D image of what lies beneath the blood pool—without the need to evacuate it first.
“This kind of visibility was previously thought impossible,” said Jordan Boss, Chief R&D Officer at Ocutrx. “While traditional microscopes are stopped by blood, our OR-Bot™ sees through it, cutting through scatter and reconstructing what matters most—real-time, unobstructed surgical views.”
The system is most effective when capturing images from multiple angles, allowing algorithms to build an increasingly accurate model of the surgical field. This provides surgeons with enhanced awareness of critical structures like nerves, vessels, and even tumors, potentially reducing surgical risk.
Clinical Implications Across Disciplines
Ocutrx’s announcement has garnered strong support from the surgical community. Dr. Leonel Hunt of Cedars-Sinai Spine Center noted that the technology provides a “new layer of safety and confidence for surgeons,” while Dr. Robert Louis, Director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program at Hoag, called the development a “significant step forward” for safer and more efficient surgeries across disciplines.
Whether in neurosurgery, orthopedics, or general surgery, uncontrolled bleeding is a persistent challenge. With HemoLucence, the opportunity to visualize through blood may eliminate the need to halt a procedure for suction or reorientation—streamlining the surgical process and improving patient outcomes.
Clinical Trials and Patent Strategy
The OR-Bot™ with HemoLucence is expected to enter clinical trials in 2025 or 2026. This gives the company time to refine its AI algorithms, expand testing, and prepare for regulatory submissions. Ocutrx already holds 42 issued patents and has over 50 more in prosecution, with a strategic portfolio that spans AR, XR, 3D visualization, and AI-driven surgical technologies.
The company’s innovation pipeline also includes the OcuLenz™ headset for macular degeneration and the DigiLoupe AR surgery viewer—each reinforcing its position as a pioneer at the intersection of healthcare and immersive technology.
A Market-Shifting Innovation
Real-time blood transparency represents not just a technological achievement but a potential market disruptor. The global surgical imaging market is projected to reach $8.4 billion by 2030, driven by demand for precision tools and minimally invasive procedures. Ocutrx’s entry with a high-precision, AI-enhanced microscope places it in direct competition with incumbents like Zeiss and Leica, which currently dominate the high-end surgical optics space.
As clinical trials begin and real-world evidence accumulates, all eyes will be on whether HemoLucence can deliver on its promise—and whether it signals a broader shift toward AI-native surgical tools.
– This original article was created with AI support.
