Mert Deniz Polat

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Mert Deniz Polat is a pioneering researcher in surgical ergonomics and cognitive neuroscience, whose work bridges the gap between human performance and advanced medical technologies. His primary research areas include minimally invasive surgery, cognitive workload assessment, and neuroergonomics, with a focus on understanding how surgical modalities and task complexity affect surgeons' mental states. Polat’s major contribution lies in his groundbreaking use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to quantify cognitive workload during laparoscopic and robotic procedures, providing objective, real-time data that can inform surgical training and system design. His most-cited paper, "The Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgical Modality and Task Complexity on Cognitive Workload: An fNIRS Study" (2025, 2 citations), is a seminal work that demonstrates how different surgical techniques impose varying cognitive demands, highlighting the need for tailored training protocols. This research has significant implications for improving surgical safety, reducing errors, and optimizing skill acquisition. Polat’s innovative approach has positioned him as a leading voice in the emerging field of surgical neuroergonomics, with his work already influencing how surgeons and educators think about mental workload in high-stakes environments.