A Tiny Robotic Helper for Safer, Less-Invasive Fibroid Removal
Official title: A Robot to Enable Broad Deployment of the Least Invasive Uterine Fibroid Surgical Intervention
Funded at Virtuoso Surgical, INC. · NIH-11409530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new robot helps surgeons remove uterine fibroids through a small hysteroscope, making the procedure easier and more widely available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virtuoso Surgical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,094,485 |
| NIH project number | 1R44EB038843-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women with uterine fibroids who are candidates for hysteroscopic fibroid removal and could benefit from less invasive options.
✕Less likely to help
Women requiring non-hysteroscopic approaches or those not eligible for hysteroscopic procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds a small robotic system that passes needle-sized instruments through a standard hysteroscope to enable two-handed control inside the uterus. It aims to expand access to minimally invasive fibroid removal beyond highly specialized surgeons, potentially reducing the need for full hysterectomy. The project will test dexterity, precision, and safety of the two tiny robotic arms in a surgical setting, with the goal of helping more patients have uterus-sparing procedures. The work is designed to translate into real clinical tools that could change how fibroids are treated in many hospitals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, more women could have minimally invasive fibroid removal, preserving the uterus and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous robotic and hysteroscopic techniques show potential, but this approach seeks to broaden access with a new two-armed, needle-sized system.
Where this research is happening
-
Virtuoso Surgical, INC.
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendrick, Richard Joseph — Virtuoso Surgical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hendrick, Richard Joseph
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A robotic system for complete removal of bladder tumors
This study is testing a new robotic system designed to help doctors remove bladder tumors more completely and safely, which could lead to better outcomes for patients with bladder cancer.
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.