# Development of a Multispectral Kerrison Rongeur for Dura and Nerve Root Detection

> **NIH NIH R44** · BRITESEED, LLC · 2024 · $306,735

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overarching objective of this Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal is to create
the first Kerrison rongeur (KR) with an integrated optical sensor capable of detecting dura and nerve root during
spinal surgery. Dura and nerve roots are delicate structures critical to proper neural function, sensation, and
movement and are damaged in up to 17% and 25% of certain spinal procedures respectively. Incidental damage
to these structures can lead to major complications, longer surgery durations, and additional operations.
Currently, surgeons avoid incidental dural and nerve damage by attempting to maintain sufficient separation
between the critical and unwanted tissue during dissection but have no means of directly visualizing or identifying
these structures during critical points of dissection. KRs, a surgical instrument used to gouge out bone, are often
used at these critical points when dura and nerve roots are at the highest risk of being injured. To prevent these
unfortunate outcomes, the goal of Phase I of this proposal is to further establish the feasibility and performance
of a miniaturized optical sensor for dura and nerve root detection capable of integrating into a KR. In order to
physically incorporate an optical sensor into a KR, a custom optical subsystem will be designed consisting of an
optical sensor, a force transducer, and protective housing for the optoelectronic components. Once assembled,
a 3D printed, multispectral KR (MKR) prototype equipped with the miniaturized optical subsystem will be
constructed to validate dura and nerve root classification performance under known pressure conditions. The
goal of Phase II of this proposal is to incorporate the characterized optical subsystem from Phase I into a fully
functional MKR capable of bone gouging and in vivo detection of dura and nerve. To that end, the MKR prototype
will be constructed and evaluated in three areas: dura and nerve root detection, bone gouging performance, and
shielding of the optical subsystem. The bone gouging and the protective housing of the MKR will be determined
using biomechanical bone phantoms and fresh ovine bone samples. To demonstrate in vivo functionality, the
MKR will be evaluated during porcine laminectomy performed by a spinal surgeon. At the conclusion of this
proposal, Briteseed will be well positioned to initiate product development and commercialization of a MKR that
has the potential to reduce the incidence of iatrogenic damage to dura and nerve roots.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11008491
- **Project number:** 1R44EB036417-01
- **Recipient organization:** BRITESEED, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Graham Adair Throckmorton
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $306,735
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11008491

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11008491, Development of a Multispectral Kerrison Rongeur for Dura and Nerve Root Detection (1R44EB036417-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11008491. Licensed CC0.

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