Thorsten Send

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About

Thorsten Send is a surgical robotics researcher whose work centers on improving precision and ergonomics in minimally invasive procedures, particularly in otolaryngology. His most impactful contribution addresses a critical bottleneck in functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS): the surgeon’s need to hold the endoscope with one hand, limiting instrument dexterity and causing image instability. In his landmark 2017 study, "Robot-assisted endoscope guidance versus manual endoscope guidance in functional endonasal sinus surgery (FESS)," Send demonstrated that a robotic endoscope holder could outperform manual guidance, reducing surgeon fatigue and providing a steadier visual field. This work, cited 15 times, has helped lay the groundwork for integrating robotic assistance into routine sinus surgery, directly addressing a practical challenge faced by surgeons worldwide. By quantifying the benefits of robotic guidance—from improved image stability to freeing the surgeon’s hand—Send’s research offers a clear path toward safer, more efficient endoscopic procedures. His contributions are particularly valuable for trainees and researchers exploring human-robot interaction in surgery, showcasing how targeted engineering solutions can transform everyday surgical workflows.