Richard J. Hendrick
Vanderbilt University, Webster University, Nashville Oncology Associates
Papers
16
Total Citations
512
H-Index
12
About
Richard J. Hendrick is a pioneering roboticist whose research centers on the design and control of concentric tube robots and hand-held surgical manipulators for minimally invasive procedures. His major contributions lie in advancing the clinical translation of these needle-sized, tentacle-like devices, particularly for urology and neuroendoscopy. Hendrick’s work on elastic stability—including a stability measure and design test to prevent dangerous snapping motions—has been foundational, earning over 75 citations and enabling safer, higher-curvature robot designs. He led the development of a multi-arm hand-held robotic system for transurethral laser prostate surgery, a platform that addresses the steep learning curve of procedures like HoLEP and has garnered over 95 citations. His feasibility studies on concentric tube robots for rigid bronchoscopy and neuroendoscopy demonstrate their potential to navigate sensitive anatomy, with motion planning approaches to automatically avoid critical structures. With over 460 total citations across his top papers, Hendrick’s work directly impacts surgical practice, reducing invasiveness and improving outcomes in prostate, airway, and uterine surgeries.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 7Designing snap-free concentric tube robots: A local bifurcation approach38 citations · 2015
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- 9A Novel Robotic Endoscopic Device Used for Operative Hysteroscopy18 citations · 2020
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