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About

Carsten Last is a leading researcher in the field of surgical robotics, with a primary focus on advancing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). His major contributions center on the development and evaluation of robot-assisted endoscope guidance systems designed to overcome the limitations of manual endoscopy, where the surgeon’s occupation of one hand with the endoscope leads to fatigue and image instability. In his most-cited work (2017, 15 citations), Last demonstrated the clinical benefits of robotic guidance, providing surgeons with both hands free for instruments and a steadier visual field. He also established foundational data for these systems through a model-based approach to segmenting nasal cavity and paranasal sinus boundaries (2010, 12 citations) and by precisely mapping the required workspaces and pivot points for robotic endoscope movement in FESS (2014, 7 citations). By systematically quantifying the kinematic demands of conventional FESS, Last’s research has provided essential benchmarks for designing safer, more effective robotic assistants. His work not only advances surgical technology but also directly addresses a critical ergonomic challenge in otolaryngology, making him a key figure in the evolution of robot-assisted sinus surgery.