Nathaniel Fried, PhD

2025 Innovator Award RecipientFried Nate circle

Image-Guided Laser Clearance of Occluded Ventricular Catheters for Treatment of Hydrocephalus.

Dr. Nathaniel Fried is a Professor of Physics and Optical Science at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His study entitled, “Image-Guided Laser Clearance of Occluded Ventricular Catheters for Treatment of Hydrocephalus” aims to develop a tiny, flexible laser system paired with a miniature endoscope that could be used to safely clear blockages from shunt catheters. If successful, this tool could give doctors a safer, less invasive way to fix shunt blockages and reduce the number of emergency surgeries.