Jean‐Paul Wolinsky

Northwestern University, Johns Hopkins University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Jean-Paul Wolinsky is a pioneering neurosurgeon whose research sits at the intersection of robotics, image-guided intervention, and complex spinal oncology. His work is fundamentally redefining the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery, particularly for deep-seated and anatomically challenging tumors. A major contribution is the development and preclinical validation of an MR Safe robot for direct, MRI-guided needle access to the brain—a breakthrough that promises unprecedented accuracy for biopsies and targeted therapies. This work, detailed in his highly cited 2018 paper (20 citations), demonstrates a 3D accuracy that could transform stereotactic neurosurgery. In the spine and pelvis, Wolinsky has been instrumental in advancing robotic-assisted techniques for tumor resection. His 2019 paper on robotic tissue manipulation (18 citations) and his operative technique papers on presacral ganglioneuroma and schwannoma (each with 13 citations) showcase how the da Vinci system can overcome the limitations of traditional open surgery. By enabling superior visualization and bimanual wristed control deep within the pelvis, his work has made the resection of giant, nerve-root tumors safer and more effective, while also pioneering methods for intraoperative nerve monitoring to preserve critical function.