Developing a new surgical navigation tool that improves how surgeons visualize patient anatomy during operations
Official title: Software Development and Cadaveric Testing of Deformable Registration Pipeline in Novel Camera-Projector Surgical Navigation Device
Funded at Illuminant Surgical, INC. · NIH-10922438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool called PRISM that helps surgeons see important details during surgery by projecting helpful images directly onto the patient's skin, making surgeries easier and potentially safer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illuminant Surgical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $294,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG085917-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing surgical procedures that require precise anatomical visualization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those with conditions that do not require advanced surgical navigation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and testing a new surgical navigation device called PRISM, which uses advanced camera and projector technology to help surgeons visualize critical anatomical information during procedures. The device aims to simplify the registration process by eliminating the need for markers, instead relying on the surface topography of the patient's skin. By integrating dynamic projection mapping, it displays important guidance information directly onto the patient's body, enhancing the surgical experience and potentially improving outcomes. The project will involve testing this technology using cadaver models to ensure its effectiveness and reliability in real surgical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and efficient surgical procedures, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging and navigation technologies in surgery, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Illuminant Surgical, INC.
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, James — Illuminant Surgical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hu, James
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.