Research
The research division of Stanford Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery is in the midst of rapid expansion. Stanford has made a substantial investment in new laboratory space, endowment, and additional basic science faculty positions. The intention is to create a highly productive, innovative, and collaborative center which takes full advantage of the surrounding Stanford bioscience and engineering communities.
In the fall of 2005, world-renowned inner ear stem cell biologist Stefan Heller has joined the department to assume the leadership of our research division. Dr. Heller will lead the effort to recruit two additional laboratory heads to occupy our new 7000 sq feet OHNS research center (pdf) which is currently under construction (anticipated occupancy October 2006). The new facility, which houses three major labs around a shared core, will possess state-of-the–art technical capabilities.
The priority of Stanford OHNS is to produce high quality, innovative research in areas of inquiry relevant to human disease. Growth in our research programs will emphasize two central themes:
Regenerative medicine:
- Developing stem cell therapy for overcoming deafness
- Identification of stem cells in solid tumors of the head & neck
- Tissue engineering (eg cartilage replacement for airway stenosis)
Bioengineering:
- Integration of the human ear and voice with digital devices
- Mechanics of sound transmission through the tympano-ossicular system
- Surgical simulation using 3D – haptic enhanced simulators
- Robotic microsurgery
- Microendoscopy
