What defines an expert surgeon? Does a surgical expert possess finer motor skills than a resident or novice? Can surgical performance be objectively measured to improve outcomes? Objectively assessing surgical expertise could help address over 300,000 annual perioperative mortalities and their associated costs. Current subjective methods often fail to reliably distinguish expert surgeons from novices, highlighting the need for a data-driven approach. At RPI, we have pioneered the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor real-time brain activity during complex surgical tasks. fNIRS measures hemodynamic changes in specific cortical regions, allowing the classification of motor skill proficiency. Results show that fNIRS effectively differentiates novices from experts based on brain activation patterns, suggesting potential applications in fields such as rehabilitation and athletic training. This innovative approach holds promise for enhancing surgical training, reducing risks, and improving patient outcomes.

Lead PI: Dr. Xavier Intes