Project No. 08CT4669990220, funded by the 2014–2020 Operational Programme of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the Sicilian Region, Thematic Objective 1 – Research, Technological Development and Innovation, Specific Objective 1.1 – Increase in business innovation activities, Action 1.1.5 – Support for the technological advancement of companies through the funding of pilot lines and early product validation actions and large-scale demonstration activities, Area: Smart Cities and Communities, Sub-area: Smart Economy (www.euroinfosicilia.it)

• Project amount: € 3,996,985.59
• Funding amount: € 3,567,561.18

P.O. ERDF Sicily 2014/2020 – Action 1.1.5

Development and Integration of AR Methodologies for the Non-invasive Analysis of Arterial-Venous Microcirculation to Support Diagnosis (SIMAM) – Leader: ADAMO, UNIPA

The SIMAM use case aimed to develop an innovative methodology for the automatic segmentation of oral mucosa images and subsequently extend the study to different anatomical districts in order to increase the number of identifiable pathologies.

Within the SIMAM use case, Adamo S.r.l. was responsible for the miniaturization and optimization of a new videocapillaroscope prototype featuring FAV technology.

In addition, modifications were made to the optical system of the videocapillaroscope probe and improvements were implemented in the management software to enable the integration of functional analysis and DICOM modules into its own system.

Within the SIMAM Use Case, the optimization and miniaturization of the integrated system made it possible to achieve the following advantages:

• greater portability of the system;
• greater energy efficiency;
• cost optimization;
• improved human-machine interaction.

In particular, the miniaturization makes it possible to:

• Expand the application of videocapillaroscopy by making its use more accessible both economically and operationally.
• Integrate the videocapillaroscope with other digital platforms.
• Pave the way for future connections with 5G networks, naturally becoming part of the IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) ecosystem.

The social and economic impact of the new videocapillaroscopy system is highly significant. In fact, the optimization and miniaturization of the videocapillaroscope make it possible to obtain a more reliable system with improved maintainability, which can also be performed remotely, reducing system obsolescence and post-sales interventions.

Furthermore, it should allow a wider dissemination of the videocapillaroscope as a diagnostic tool, even in non-specialist environments, making capillaroscopy a technique no longer used exclusively within rheumatology.

From a social perspective, it should enable an increasing number of patients to receive second-level diagnoses in shorter times and at lower costs, while also reducing direct access to hospitals and specialized clinics. It would ensure continuity of diagnostic services both in exceptional situations (such as epidemics) and for patients with reduced mobility. Moreover, the widespread adoption of capillaroscopy should support the development of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.