Seena Vafaee

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Seena Vafaee is a biomedical engineer advancing the frontiers of robotic surgery, with a primary focus on developing intelligent, force-sensing tools for otologic procedures. Her most-cited work, "A force-sensing surgical drill for real-time force feedback in robotic mastoidectomy" (2023, 12 citations), introduces a novel drill integrated with piezoelectric sensors that provides surgeons with real-time haptic feedback during delicate bone removal. This contribution directly addresses a critical challenge in robotic mastoidectomy—the lack of tactile sensation—potentially reducing the risk of damage to vital structures like the facial nerve and inner ear. By enabling safer, more precise drilling, Vafaee’s research bridges the gap between traditional surgical skill and robotic automation. Her work has been recognized for its translational potential, garnering early citations from peers in surgical robotics and otology. Vafaee’s broader research interests include sensor design, haptic interfaces, and human-robot interaction in surgery. As a rising voice in her field, she continues to push toward clinical adoption of force-feedback systems, aiming to make complex ear surgeries safer and more accessible.