A new surgical tool to protect delicate tissues during spinal procedures
Official title: Development of a Multispectral Kerrison Rongeur for Dura and Nerve Root Detection
Funded at Briteseed, LLC · NIH-11313059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to create a specialized surgical instrument with a built-in sensor to help surgeons avoid accidentally harming nerves and the protective covering of the spinal cord during back surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Briteseed, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,045,571 |
| NIH project number | 4R44EB036417-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing spinal surgery, particularly those requiring bone removal near the spinal cord and nerve roots, could potentially benefit from this technology in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing spinal surgery or those whose procedures do not involve the use of a Kerrison rongeur would not directly benefit from this specific device.
What this research studies
Spinal surgeries sometimes involve a risk of damaging delicate structures like the dura (the protective sac around the spinal cord) and nerve roots, which can lead to serious complications. Currently, surgeons rely on their skill to keep these tissues safe, but they lack a direct way to see or identify them during critical moments. This project is developing a modified Kerrison rongeur, a common bone-removing tool, to include a tiny optical sensor. This sensor would allow surgeons to detect the dura and nerve roots in real-time, helping them to operate more safely and precisely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new surgical tool could significantly reduce the risk of nerve and dura damage during spinal surgeries, leading to fewer complications and better patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of integrating optical sensors into surgical tools is emerging, this specific application for real-time dura and nerve root detection in a Kerrison rongeur is novel and currently untested in this form.
Where this research is happening
-
Briteseed, LLC
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Throckmorton, Graham Adair — Briteseed, LLC
- Study coordinator: Throckmorton, Graham Adair
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A smarter Kerrison rongeur with built‑in sensing for safer spine surgery
A small business proposes a Kerrison rongeur equipped with an integrated optical sensor to help surgeons see dura and nerve roots during spinal procedures, aiming to reduce unintended tissue damage.
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Real-time ureter detection for pelvic and laparoscopic surgery
A low-cost, contrast-free sensor built into laparoscopic tools to help surgeons find ureters during pelvic surgery and reduce accidental injuries.
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Creating a new tool to help surgeons avoid damaging nerves during spinal surgery
This study is working on a new tool for spinal surgery that helps doctors see important areas like nerves and protective layers in real-time, making surgeries safer and reducing the chances of complications.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.