A smarter Kerrison rongeur with built‑in sensing for safer spine surgery
Official title: Development of a Multispectral Kerrison Rongeur for Dura and Nerve Root Detection
Funded at Briteseed, LLC · NIH-11377710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,469 |
| NIH project number | 5R44EB036417-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing spine surgery where the Kerrison rongeur is used.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to undergo procedures involving a Kerrison rongeur or where imaging already prevents injury.
What this research studies
This project aims to create the first Kerrison rongeur with an optical sensor to detect delicate dura and nerve roots during spine operations. The device will include a miniaturized optical system, a force sensor, and protective housing, with 3D-printed components to fit into the existing instrument. If successful, the technology could help surgeons identify risky tissues in real time and potentially shorten surgery time by preventing complications. The effort is conducted under an SBIR Fast-Track program by BRITESEED, LLC, with a plan to validate feasibility and performance in early phases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer dural/nerve injuries during spine surgery and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous surgical sensing efforts show promise, but integrating a real-time optical detector into a Kerrison rongeur is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Briteseed, LLC
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Throckmorton, Graham Adair — Briteseed, LLC
- Study coordinator: Throckmorton, Graham Adair
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.