---
title: OptimalPSI | Patient-Specific Optimized Spinal Fusion Implants
description: OptimalPSI develops patient-specific, optimized implants aiming to reduce subsidence and improve outcomes in spinal fusion surgery.
image: https://optimalpsi.com/hubfs/OptimalPSI_Logo_social_media.jpg
---

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# Patient-Specific Technology: Where Biomechanics Meets Individual Bone Structure

OptimalPSI develops patient-specific, optimized spinal fusion implants that aim to reduce subsidence risk and improve outcomes.

[Explore Our Pre-Clinical Evidence](https://optimalpsi.com/evidence?hsLang=en)

Off-the-shelf OptimalPSI

89%

Subsidence risk reduction

vs. off-the-shelf implants in pre-clinical computational modeling\*,\*\* Pre-clinical result. Not established in clinical use.

~2×

Subsidence resistance improvement

Validated in human cadaveric testing\*\*\* Pre-clinical result. Not established in clinical use.

Patent-pending

Technology

Physics-based optimization, automated by AI

AI-enabled

Design process

Automated workflow from CT scan to optimized implant

## Patient-Specific Implants Optimized for Load Distribution, Not only Anatomy

The Problem

A **substantial number of lumbar spine fusion patients** experience subsidence with traditional implants1, potentially leading to post-operative pain and revision surgery.2,3

Our Solution

OptimalPSI's optimization algorithm designs each patient-specific implant based on the patient's unique fit and mechanics, aiming to reduce subsidence and enable surgeons to treat patients with confidence.

The Result

Pre-clinical studies show reduced subsidence risk that aim to enable surgeons to confidently treat patients and improve patient outcomes.

## Beyond Patient-Specific Anatomy: Patient-Specific Biomechanical Architecture

Not all patient-specific implants are created equal. While others focus on matching anatomy, OptimalPSI goes further. Using optimization to account for the patient's bone structure and load distribution, our technology creates a customized TLIF implant with variable stiffness and porosity that distributes load precisely where the bone can handle it, aiming to reduce subsidence risk by **75% compared to anatomy-only patient-specific solutions\***.

Level 1

Standard off-the-shelf

**Technology:** One-geometry-fits-all design

**Clinical challenge:** High subsidence rates reported for TLIF procedure¹

Level 2

Patient-specific shape

**Technology:** Custom anatomy matching

**Design focus:** Anatomical conformity, to treat deformities

Level 3 Patent pending

Patient-specific technology: OptimalPSI's optimized patient-specific spinal fusion implant

**Technology:** Patient-specific optimization for improved load distribution

**Improvement:** Subsidence risk reduction and enhanced load distribution in pre-clinical testing\*,\*\*,\*\*\*

![Dr. Thijs Smit](https://optimalpsi.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/thijs-smit.jpg)

Dr. Thijs Smit

Co-Founder & CEO

![ETH Zürich Spin-off](https://optimalpsi.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/partners/eth-spinoff.jpg)

Founder credibility

## Innovation Born from Rigorous Research

Dr. Thijs Smit developed OptimalPSI's optimization approach during his PhD at ETH Zürich under Prof. Stephen Ferguson. Now an official ETH Spin-off, OptimalPSI continues its collaboration with leading spine surgeon Dr. Daniel Haschtmann at Schulthess Klinik, where the technology was validated through computational modeling and biomechanical testing. This scientific foundation promises that our patient-specific spinal fusion implants deliver clinically meaningful improvements where traditional solutions fall short.

[Meet Our Team](https://optimalpsi.com/team?hsLang=en)

Supported by Leading Organizations

![ETH Zurich Spin-off](https://optimalpsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/partners/eth-spinoff.jpg?height=64&name=eth-spinoff.jpg) ![Innosuisse](https://optimalpsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/partners/innosuisse-dark.png?height=72&name=innosuisse-dark.png) ![Venture Kick](https://optimalpsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/partners/venture-kick.png?height=52&name=venture-kick.png) ![Kickfund](https://optimalpsi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/partners/kickfund.png?height=44&name=kickfund.png)

### Explore Clinical Applications

Learn how patient-specific optimized implants aim to improve outcomes for patients.

[View Clinical Evidence →](https://optimalpsi.com/evidence?hsLang=en)

### Schedule a Meeting

Discuss how OptimalPSI's technology could benefit patients.

[See clinical applications & workflow →](https://optimalpsi.com/contact?hsLang=en)

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## Stay Informed

Receive updates on our progress, regulatory milestones, and company news.

Subscribe to Updates

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![OptimalPSI](https://optimalpsi.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/optimalpsi-theme/images/optimalpsi-logo.svg)

Patient-specific, optimized spinal fusion implants. An official ETH Zürich spin-off.

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimalpsi/>

Quick links

[Home](https://optimalpsi.com/?hsLang=en) [About](https://optimalpsi.com/about?hsLang=en) [Evidence](https://optimalpsi.com/evidence?hsLang=en)

Company

[Team](https://optimalpsi.com/team?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://optimalpsi.com/contact?hsLang=en) [News](https://optimalpsi.com/news?hsLang=en)

Legal

[Legal Notice](https://optimalpsi.com/legal-notice?hsLang=en) [Privacy Policy](https://optimalpsi.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) [Terms of Use](https://optimalpsi.com/terms-of-use?hsLang=en)

\* In-Silico medical device testing: Smit et al. (2024). Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 12, 1347961.

\*\* Pre-clinical computational modeling: Smit et al. (2024). Journal of Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 159, 106695.

\*\*\* Ex-vivo biomechanical testing: Du et al. (2026). NASSJ, 26, 100890.

¹ Parisien et al. (2022). Subsidence of Spinal Fusion Cages: A Systematic Review. Table 6. Occurrence of subsidence per TLIF method considering >2 mm migration of the cage in the endplate. 

² Carlson et al. (2020). Prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia diagnosed using quantitative CT in 296 consecutive lumbar fusion patients.

³ Godolias et al. (2023). Cage subsidence — A multifactorial matter!

Published clinical literature references available upon request.

OptimalPSI's patient-specific optimized TLIF implants are investigational. They have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and do not hold CE marking. They are not available for sale in any market. Statements regarding performance are based on pre-clinical data; clinical performance has not been established.

© 2026 OptimalPSI AG. All rights reserved. Website version 2026.01.

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