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Making a 'Digital Twin' Of Yourself Could Revolutionize Future Surgeries, Making Medical Procedures Much More Personal

Dr. John Pandolfino at Northwestern Medicine has created a digital twin of the esophagus to guide myotomy surgery for achalasia patients. The virtual model reproduces pressure and motion, runs millions of simulations, and recommends the optimal surgical cut. A 400‑patient clinical trial now compares standard surgery with twin‑guided procedures, aiming to reduce reflux and diverticulum formation. The approach could extend to other tube‑like organs, reshaping personalized surgery and reducing reliance on animal models.