Developing a system to coach surgeons on where to look during virtual surgery training
Official title: Autonomous Gaze Coaching for Virtual Reality Telesurgical Simulators
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11092934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smart virtual reality tool that helps train surgeons by giving them real-time tips on where to look while they practice, making it easier for them to learn and improve their skills, especially in places where there aren't many experienced teachers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $163,634 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB036161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are surgical trainees and medical professionals involved in minimally invasive surgery training.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in surgical training or do not participate in minimally invasive surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an autonomous gaze coaching system for training surgeons using virtual reality simulations. By analyzing the gaze patterns of expert and novice surgeons, the project aims to develop a data-driven tool that can provide real-time feedback on gaze direction during surgical practice. This approach seeks to enhance the training process, making it more efficient and accessible, especially in areas lacking expert instructors. The ultimate goal is to improve surgical skills and patient outcomes by accelerating the learning curve for trainee surgeons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the training of surgeons, leading to better surgical outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using gaze training to improve surgical skills, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chua, Zonghe — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Chua, Zonghe
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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.