Houston Methodist Division of Surgical Innovation

Multidisciplinary experts working with the Houston Methodist Division of Surgical Innovation plant the seeds of innovation, making strategic, life-changing improvements in surgical care. Founded to foster innovation in the Houston Methodist Department of Surgery, our division is one of the few formal divisions of surgical innovation housed within an academic medical institution. We work closely with design, philanthropic and strategic partners who assist us in addressing relevant clinical needs and creating viable clinical applications to improve patient outcomes. 


We view biodesign as structured innovation that leads with the “why.” Rather than beginning with the solution, we apply a measured, thoughtful approach, identifying the underlying reasons driving future solutions. In doing so, we empower our clinicians and collaborators with tools, training and infrastructure to bring solutions to life through development and commercialization.  


Our experts bridge clinical insight with entrepreneurial strategy, operating at the intersection of unmet need and novel opportunity. From ideation to implementation, our teams reflect upon, iterate and perfect the surgical tools and techniques we develop.  


More than merely advancing technology, we create meaningful, lasting change in how we deliver surgical care and train future surgical innovators. 

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Faculty

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Clinical Trials

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Peer-Reviewed Publications in 2024

Our Team

Our division, led by Aldona Spiegel, MD, and supported by administrative staff and an informal steering committee comprised of physicians, scientists and researchers from multiple fields and disciplines, works closely with a growing consortium of visionary surgeons, scientists, bioengineers and researchers across the Houston Methodist system as well as external partners.  In so doing, we are cultivating a culture of innovation where physicians are empowered to create solutions shaping the future of surgery. 


As our experts identify clinical challenges, our programs help accelerate the development of novel technologies, supporting implementations that improve outcomes and access for patients everywhere. These efforts are bolstered by structured educational programming, strategic partnerships, research-heavy infrastructure and a relentless commitment to user-centered design. 


The participants on our teams contribute diverse experiences and backgrounds, each passionate about driving surgical advancement from concept to the reality of the patient bedside. We are energized by the identification of clinical problems and the multidisciplinary development of solutions — seeing ideas evolve into tangible tools and outcomes. 

Our Research

The Division of Surgical Innovation was born out of clinical need. Our research and educational footprint spans specialties, with many of our earliest innovations addressing gaps in microsurgical breast reconstruction, such as restoring sensation and improving aesthetics post-mastectomy. 

Today, our clinical and research scope extends to surgical robotics, reconstructive innovation and 3D biofabrication. Our research includes sensation restoration, fat-grafting systems, biologic scaffolds, flap physiology and postoperative optimization. We are principal investigators on multiple IRB protocols and collaborate with institutions globally on device development and clinical validation. 
Clinical Trials
Publications
Modern Approaches to Breast Neurotization
Absent or diminished breast sensation is a persistent problem for many postmastectomy patients. Breast neurotization is an opportunity to improve sensory outcomes, which are poor and unpredictable if left to chance.
Medial Retraction for Internal Mammary Vessel Exposure
The exposure and dissection of the recipient internal mammary artery and veins is a critical component of free flap breast reconstruction. Cutting-edge techniques in breast oncology have resulted in an increase in nipple-sparing mastectomies through inframammary or short vertical incisions.
Refining the Rib-sparing Approach in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
Free tissue transfer using microsurgical techniques is a popular option for breast reconstruction, and the internal mammary vessels remain the most popular recipient vessels for the anastomosis. 
State of Research on Tissue Engineering with 3D Printing for Breast Reconstruction
Three-dimensional (3-D) printing paired with tissue-engineering strategies promises to overcome the volume, contour and donor-site limitations of traditional breast reconstruction.

Biodesign Educational Program

More than merely providing surgical education, we are building the future of surgery through mentorship, collaboration and passion-driven learning not only for our residents and fellows but also our faculty. Our flagship educational program, Biodesign, is designed to cultivate innovation among physicians and residents, with plans to expand into a Physician Innovator Course launching in 2026.


Biodesign is modeled after Stanford University’s biodesign methodology and provides structured training in medical innovation, guiding participants through identifying clinical needs, developing solutions and preparing for commercialization. Biodesign follows a structured and robust process: 

 

  • Identifying clinical needs
  • Fostering collaboration
  • Streamlining the innovation process
  • Developing advanced surgical tools and techniques
  • Training and education
  • Advancing patient care

 

Recently, we launched the first Biodesign Innovation Symposium at Houston Methodist, empowering multidisciplinary teams to prototype real solutions to clinical challenges. We hold numerous patents and FDA clearances, tied to our work. For more than 10 years, we have advanced breast reconstruction, proving our long-standing commitment to improved patient outcomes. 

Training & Collaboration

An ethos of innovation infuses our residencies and fellowships across the Department of Surgery, evidenced by residents’ and fellows’ participation in our innovation programs, bringing real-world insights into health care challenges. 


Training events, regularly offered in-house, include topics such as launching a startup, research integrity and data management, perfecting your pitch, concept to commercialization and more.  


Faculty, residents and fellows benefit from a high level of autonomy and exploration, encouraged to break through preconceived notions of what is possible in medicine. Residents present ideas and watch them evolve into funded projects and fellows help launch pilot trials, while faculty pursue patents with institutional backing. 


The Inventor Portal, available to Houston Methodist employees, serves as a dynamic receptacle to disclose inventions, while the Office of Transfer Technology provides tools and resources to manage intellectual property. Medical device companies regularly seek our surgical expertise, which we leverage to help those companies improve their products for patients. 


Our collaborations include: 

 

  • EnMed – with Texas A&M University
  • Digital Health Institute – with Rice University through The Bookout Center for Medical Innovation, Technology, Research and Education
  • Stanford University Biodesign
  • Texas Medical Center (TMC) Innovation
Pioneering Innovation: The Launch of Houston Methodist Biodesign
Biodesign is structured innovation. Rather than starting with the solution, it first takes into account the reasons for doing something. 
Ideas to Impact: The Biodesign Story
We look at innovation as part of our core mission, particularly in surgery. We’re a group of innovators working together to create, in actionable and meaningful ways, for our patients. 
Other Education Programs
EnMed Program
The Bookout Center 
Digital Health Institute

Conferences & Seminars
For Patients

For Patients

Our world-class surgeons use the most advanced procedures and state-of-the-art technology to provide you with expert care across the full spectrum of surgical specialties — no matter your condition.

Learn More About Surgical Care