Smart Cavity Interbody Fusion Drill for Lumbar Spine Surgery
Official title: Smart Cavity Creator Drill for Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Direct to Phase II
Funded at Peer Technologies, PLLC · NIH-11308290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, small-channel drill with smart sensors aims to safely create a cavity inside the disc during lumbar fusion to reduce nerve injury and shorten surgery time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Peer Technologies, PLLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,256,846 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AR085500-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion who are at risk for nerve root injury and could benefit from a less invasive cavity-creating technique.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing fusion or those for whom this technology is unsuitable due to anatomy or disease stage may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project targets improving lumbar fusion surgery by replacing manual, nerve-dissection steps with a sensor-guided drill that creates a central cavity for bone growth. The device is designed to minimize blood loss, reduce operative time, and lower the risk of nerve damage and dural tears. It is being developed for commercialization in a Phase II SBIR, with emphasis on safety, usability, and effectiveness in real surgical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer nerve injuries, less blood loss, shorter surgeries, and potentially faster recovery after lumbar fusion.
How similar studies have gone: Previous concept demonstrations showed feasibility of sensor-assisted cavity creation, with ongoing work to translate into a commercial device.
Where this research is happening
-
Peer Technologies, PLLC
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mirza, Sohail K — Peer Technologies, PLLC
- Study coordinator: Mirza, Sohail K
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.