A new drill for safer lumbar spine surgery

Smart Cavity Creator Drill for Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Direct to Phase II

NIH-funded research Peer Technologies, PLLC · NIH-11076616

This study is testing a new type of drill for back surgery that aims to make the procedure safer and easier by creating a larger space in the spine with a smaller opening, which could help reduce risks and improve recovery for people suffering from back pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPeer Technologies, PLLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11076616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel drill technology for lumbar interbody fusion surgeries, which are commonly performed to alleviate back pain. The new approach aims to create a large cavity in the disc space using a small entry point, minimizing the need for extensive surgical dissection. By integrating smart sensors with the drill, the procedure can be performed with greater precision, potentially reducing complications such as nerve root injuries and excessive blood loss. This innovative technique seeks to enhance patient safety and improve surgical outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery due to chronic back pain or related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for lumbar fusion surgery or those with conditions that contraindicate surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce complications and improve recovery times for patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Similar innovative approaches in surgical technology have shown promise in improving patient outcomes, suggesting potential success for this novel technique.

Where this research is happening

Washington, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.