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About

Yuan Shi is a biomedical engineer and surgical robotics researcher whose work centers on advancing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancers. His primary contributions lie in developing imaging-compatible tools and realistic training platforms to overcome the unique challenges of operating through natural orifices. Shi pioneered the creation of novel tumor phantoms for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, providing the first realistic, research-grade models for training surgeons in transoral laser and robotic techniques. He also engineered an imaging-compatible oral retractor system, solving the critical problem of metallic artifacts in CT and MRI that previously prevented intraoperative imaging during TORS. Building on this, he developed a proof-of-concept surgical navigation system for image-guided TORS, aiming to compensate for the lack of haptic feedback in robotic surgery by improving tumor margin assessment and critical structure localization. Though his work is early-stage, with his most-cited paper (2020) garnering 8 citations, Shi’s integrated approach—combining phantom design, retractor innovation, and navigation—addresses fundamental barriers in minimally invasive head and neck oncology, positioning him as an emerging leader in surgical robotics and training simulation.