Clare K. Fitzpatrick

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About

Clare K. Fitzpatrick is a leading researcher in the field of surgical robotics, with a primary focus on improving the accuracy and safety of robot-assisted procedures in neurosurgery and orthopedics. Her major contributions center on the quantitative assessment of electrode and implant placement, particularly in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and spinal fusion. In her highly cited 2019 work on electrode placement accuracy in robot-assisted asleep DBS, she demonstrated that robotic guidance can achieve submillimeter precision, a critical factor for effective neuromodulation. Her 2023 multicenter study on pedicle screw placement in robot-assisted spinal fusion further solidified her impact, showing consistent accuracy across diverse surgical teams and settings. With over 59 citations across her most influential papers, Fitzpatrick’s work provides the empirical foundation for the clinical adoption of robotic systems in these high-stakes procedures. Her research not only validates the technical capabilities of these systems but also addresses real-world challenges, such as variability in surgeon experience and patient anatomy. For students and researchers, Fitzpatrick’s work exemplifies how rigorous, data-driven studies can bridge the gap between engineering innovation and clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes in complex surgeries.