Improving robotic surgery skills for head and neck procedures
Official title: Enhancing robotic head and neck surgical skills using stimulated simulation
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11125816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help surgeons learn transoral robotic surgery faster and more safely by using a special technique that stimulates the brain, making it easier for them to master the skills they need to improve patient care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,856 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB032820-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring transoral robotic surgery for conditions such as oropharyngeal cancers or obstructive sleep apnea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for transoral robotic surgery or those with advanced disease that precludes surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the training of surgeons performing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) through a novel approach called stimulated simulation, which utilizes noninvasive brain stimulation. The goal is to accelerate the learning curve for surgeons, allowing them to gain proficiency more quickly and safely. By addressing the limitations of current training methods, this research aims to provide a more effective simulation platform that prepares surgeons for the complexities of TORS, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The study will involve developing and testing this new training method to ensure it meets the needs of surgical trainees.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective surgical procedures for patients undergoing head and neck surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using simulation and advanced training techniques to improve surgical skills, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De, Suvranu — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: De, Suvranu
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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.