Using a robot for safe bone biopsies in children guided by MRI

Pneumatic Drill and Robot for MRI-Guided Pediatrics Long Bone Biopsy

NIH-funded research Children's Research Institute · NIH-10689655

This study is testing a new robot that helps doctors take samples from bones in kids without using radiation, making the process safer and quicker for young patients who need a biopsy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10689655 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel MRI-safe robot designed to assist in performing bone biopsies in pediatric patients. The robot aims to enhance the accuracy of needle placement while eliminating radiation exposure, making the procedure safer for children. The project involves a series of technical developments and cadaver studies, ultimately leading to a clinical trial that will evaluate the safety and feasibility of this innovative approach in 20 young patients. By streamlining the biopsy process, the research seeks to reduce the time required for sampling and analyzing tissue from suspicious bone lesions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients aged 0-21 who require a bone biopsy due to suspicious lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with non-suspicious bone conditions or those who do not require a biopsy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more efficient method for diagnosing bone conditions in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI-compatible robots for precise medical procedures, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.