Tao Zhao

This inventor holds 172 USPTO granted patents and 47 published patent applications and 54 EPO patents, primarily in Image-Guided Surgery (CPC class A61B34-20). Top assignees: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., Sri International, Sarnoff Corporation. Active years: 2009-2026.

USPTO Granted Patents = 172 (Patent Applications = 47)

% Patents Active = 94.2

EPO Patents = 54 (Patent Applications = 71)

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.9

ph-index = 31

Forward Citations = 6,468(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 5,516(Dec 10, 2025)

Inventors with similar research interests:

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Location History:

Plainsboro, NJ (US) (2009 - 2013)
Mountain View, CA (US) (2021)
Sunnyvale, CA (US) (2010 - 2024)

Company Filing History:

164 out of 2,712

Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.

Noah Medical Corporation

patents

5. 1 out of 834,411

Other

patents

Years Active: 2009-2026

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Areas of Expertise:

Image Registration

Surgical Robotics

Fluoroscopic Imaging

Anatomical Segmentation

Interventional Procedures

Pose Estimation

Tool Tracking

Navigation Systems

Surgical Systems

Calibration Techniques

User Interface Design

Medical Imaging

172 patents (USPTO):Sort by Forward CitationsExplore Patents

1. 12740835 - Systems and methods for robotic endoscope with integrated tool-in-lesion-tomosynthesis (2026-09-22),

2. 12706203 - Conversion and transfer of real-time volumetric image data for a medical device (2026-08-11),

3. 12697176 - Systems and methods for data filtering of passageway sensor data (2026-08-04),

4. 12678244 - Systems and methods for robotic medical system integration with external imaging (2026-07-14),

5. 12611264 - Systems and methods of registration for image-guided procedures (2026-04-28),

6. 12582476 - Systems for planning and performing biopsy procedures and associated methods (2026-03-24),

7. 12551297 - Systems and methods of registration compensation in image guided surgery (2026-02-17),

8. 12527635 - Graphical user interface for planning a procedure (2026-01-20),

9. 12524882 - Systems and methods for using registered fluoroscopic images in image-guided surgery (2026-01-13),

10. 12508081 - Systems and methods of pose estimation and calibration of perspective imaging system in image guided surgery (2025-12-30),

11. 12502224 - Systems and methods for registering elongate devices to three-dimensional images in image-guided procedures (2025-12-23),

12. 12471799 - Determining position of medical device in branched anatomical structure (2025-11-18),

13. 12465194 - Surgical system including a non-white light general illuminator (2025-11-11),

14. 12458457 - Systems and methods for planning multiple interventional procedures (2025-11-04),

15. 12458206 - Systems and methods for intraoperative segmentation (2025-11-04),

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Tao Zhao - Pioneering Technologies for Image-Guided Surgery

Introduction:

Tao Zhao, a visionary inventor based in Sunnyvale, CA, is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of image-guided surgery. With an impressive portfolio of 126 patents, Tao Zhao has revolutionized the healthcare industry with his cutting-edge innovations.

Latest Patents:

Among his latest patents is "Systems and methods for segmentation of anatomical structures for image-guided surgery." This patent introduces a novel method for image segmentation that leverages convolutional neural networks to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures. Additionally, "Systems and methods for using tracking in image-guided medical procedures" showcases Tao Zhao's expertise in developing advanced systems for precise medical interventions.

Career Highlights:

Tao Zhao has made significant strides in his career, holding pivotal roles at prominent companies such as Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. and SRI International. His strategic vision and technical acumen have propelled him to the forefront of the medical technology sector, where he continues to push the boundaries of innovation.

Collaborations:

Throughout his illustrious career, Tao Zhao has collaborated with esteemed professionals such as Wenyi Zhao and Brian David Hoffman. Together, they have successfully brought cutting-edge technologies to fruition, shaping the future of image-guided surgery and medical interventions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Tao Zhao stands as a trailblazing figure in the realm of image-guided surgery, with a remarkable track record of patents and innovations that have transformed the healthcare landscape. His dedication to advancing medical technologies underscores his commitment to improving patient outcomes and driving progress in the field.