Assessing surgical skills in real-time using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Interpretable Real-Time Surgical Skill Assessment Via Optical Neuroimaging
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11071630 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help surgeons improve their skills by using special technology that can watch their performance in real-time, making it easier to train without needing an expert to supervise all the time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | January 6, 2025 |
| Project end | January 5, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31EB035931-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071630 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include surgical trainees and professionals seeking to enhance their skills through objective performance feedback.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in surgical training or do not require surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for evaluating surgical skills without the need for experienced proctors. By utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study aims to provide real-time assessments of surgical performance while minimizing movement restrictions and improving spatial resolution. The approach focuses on developing an online method to filter out noise and artifacts that can interfere with accurate skill evaluation. This innovative technique could streamline the assessment process and enhance training for surgical professionals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more objective and efficient assessments of surgical skills, improving training and outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging techniques for skill assessment, but this specific application of fNIRS in real-time surgical settings is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eastmond, Condell — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Eastmond, Condell
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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.