Creating a new tool to help surgeons avoid damaging nerves during spinal surgery
Official title: Development of a Multispectral Kerrison Rongeur for Dura and Nerve Root Detection
Funded at Briteseed, LLC · NIH-11008491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,735 |
| NIH project number | 1R44EB036417-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008491 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing spinal surgery who are at risk of nerve or dura injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing spinal surgery or those with conditions that do not involve the dura or nerve roots may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a specialized surgical instrument called a Kerrison rongeur that includes an optical sensor to detect delicate structures like the dura and nerve roots during spinal surgery. By integrating this sensor, surgeons will be able to visualize these critical areas in real-time, reducing the risk of accidental damage that can lead to complications. The project involves designing a miniaturized optical subsystem that will be incorporated into the rongeur, enhancing its functionality and safety during procedures. The ultimate goal is to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the need for additional surgeries caused by nerve or dura injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of nerve and dura damage during spinal surgeries, leading to better patient outcomes and fewer complications.
How similar studies have gone: While the integration of optical sensors in surgical instruments is a novel approach, similar technologies have shown promise in enhancing surgical precision in other fields.
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.
-
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.
-
A new surgical tool to protect delicate tissues during spinal procedures
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.
-
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.
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.