Evaluating surgical skills using brain activity and eye movements
Synchronized brain dynamics and eye movement trajectory for objective evaluation of robot-assisted surgical skills
This study is looking at how brain activity and eye movements can help us understand the skills of surgeons using robot-assisted surgery, and it’s for both new and experienced surgeons who will practice on simulators over a year to see how their skills change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10569505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain dynamics and eye movement patterns can objectively assess the skills of surgeons using robot-assisted surgery (RAS). By recording EEG signals and tracking eye movements, the study aims to identify changes in skill levels among surgeons with varying expertise. Participants, including novices and expert surgeons, will engage in RAS training tasks on simulators and in labs over the course of a year. The goal is to develop a reliable tool for evaluating surgical performance that goes beyond traditional subjective measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals training in robotic surgery, ranging from novices to experienced surgeons.
Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in robotic surgery training or do not participate in surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved training methods for surgeons, enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using objective metrics like EEG and eye tracking for skill assessment in various fields, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in surgical training.
Where this research is happening
Buffalo, United States
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp — Buffalo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Besharat Shafiei, Somayeh — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Besharat Shafiei, Somayeh
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 below.