Improving laparoscopic surgery with augmented reality and ultrasound
Official title: A clinical platform for ultrasound-augmented laparoscopy
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-11083105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that helps surgeons see inside the body better during laparoscopic surgeries by combining video and ultrasound images, making operations safer and easier, especially for kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $551,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB030093-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who require laparoscopic surgical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing laparoscopic surgeries or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a clinical system that combines laparoscopic video and ultrasound to enhance the visualization and navigation during laparoscopic surgeries. By integrating these two modalities into a single augmented reality platform, surgeons can better understand the internal structures of the body in real-time, reducing cognitive load and improving precision. The project has already seen success in early prototypes used in human cases, indicating its potential for clinical application. The goal is to make surgeries safer and more efficient for patients, particularly children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective laparoscopic surgeries for patients, particularly in pediatric populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar augmented reality approaches in surgical settings, indicating a strong potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shekhar, Raj — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Shekhar, Raj
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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.