Kathryn Hayes

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University Press

Papers

Total Citations

157

H-Index

About

Kathryn Hayes is a pioneering researcher in the field of surgical robotics, with a primary focus on image-guided robotic assistance for complex neurosurgical procedures. Her major contributions center on the development of integrated systems that combine robotic technology with real-time navigation and visualization platforms to enhance safety and precision in skull base surgery. Her most influential work, "An integrated system for planning, navigation and robotic assistance for skull base surgery" (2008), has garnered 149 citations, reflecting its significant impact on the field. This system was designed to mechanically assist surgeons during skull base drilling—a critical step in accessing tumors—by preventing inadvertent damage to delicate anatomical structures. Hayes’s approach emphasizes cooperative control, where the robot and surgeon work in tandem, guided by a commercial navigation system and open-source visualization tools. Her research addresses a pressing clinical need: improving patient outcomes in high-risk surgeries. By pioneering these integrated, safety-focused robotic systems, Hayes has laid foundational work for the next generation of computer-assisted surgical tools, making her a notable figure in the advancement of neurosurgical robotics.