Real-time ureter detection for pelvic and laparoscopic surgery
Official title: Custom Sensor Manufacturing and Regulatory Preparation Assistance for Novel Intraoperative Ureter Detection Device
Funded at Briteseed, LLC · NIH-11171589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A low-cost, contrast-free sensor built into laparoscopic tools to help surgeons find ureters during pelvic surgery and reduce accidental injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Briteseed, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $490,469 |
| NIH project number | 5SB1HD089769-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171589 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people undergoing pelvic or laparoscopic abdominal surgery—especially gynecologic, colorectal, or urologic procedures—where the ureters are at risk.
✕Less likely to help
People not having pelvic or laparoscopic surgery, or whose operations do not put the ureters at risk, would not benefit from this device.
What this research studies
This project is creating a small sensor that integrates into a laparoscopic vessel sealer and uses hyperspectral imaging to spot ureters without dyes or stents. From a patient's perspective, the device would give surgeons a clear, real-time cue to avoid cutting or sealing the ureter during pelvic and gynecologic operations. The grant supports finishing manufacturing steps and preparing regulatory documentation needed to bring the device to hospitals. If approved and commercialized, hospitals could adopt the tool for routine laparoscopic procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could reduce accidental ureter injuries, lower related complications like obstruction or fistula, and shorten hospital stays and costs.
How similar studies have gone: Existing approaches like cystoscopy and lighted stents can help find ureters but are costly or time-consuming, and using hyperspectral imaging in this unobtrusive way is a novel approach with limited clinical evidence to date.
Where this research is happening
-
Briteseed, LLC
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shukair, Shetha — Briteseed, LLC
- Study coordinator: Shukair, Shetha
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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.