Clinical Expertise 

Minimal invasive spine surgery, Ablative surgery & Neuromodulation for Neuropathic pain, Spinal cord tumor

Research Interests 

Clinical and Mechanistic Research on Neuropathic Pain, Neuromodulation Technology Development and Mechanistic Studies

Background

Dr. Du Tao is attending neurosurgeon at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, specializing in neurospinal conditions, pain management, and functional neurosurgery. He is particularly skilled in minimally invasive spine surgery and ablative surgery & neuromodulation treatments for refractory neuropathic pain. His research interests center on the development of neuromodulation devices and the mechanisms underlying pain relief. Dr. Du is actively involved in the research and clinical application of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) for neuropathic pain, with the phase Ⅰ of clinical trials already initiated. He has also led multiple randomized controlled trials on neuromodulation therapies for neuropathic pain.

Education 

2009 — 2014 Bachelor, Fujian Medical University

2014 — 2017 M.A. Neurosurgery, Capital Medical University

2018 — 2021 M.D., Ph.D. Neurosurgery, Capital Medical University

Residencies

2014 — 2017 Residency, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

2019 — 2024 Specialist training of neurosurgery in Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

Fellowships 

Fellowship training of minimal invasive spine surgery in Westessence Clinic (2017-2018)

Certifications 

1. Physician’s practice license (2016)

2. Certificate of resident standardized training of Surgery (Neurosurgery) Phase I (2017)

3. Attending Neurosurgeon (2022)

Professional Memberships 

Youth Member of the Spinal and Pain Professional Committee of the China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association

Youth Member of the Spinal Minimally Invasive Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Research & Publications 

Research Founds:

National Natural Science Foundation of China, Youth Science Fund Project "Study on the Role and Mechanism of LGR5/SphK1 Axis in Mediating Microglial/Macrophage Activation in Pain After Spinal Cord Injury" (82401452), 2025-2027, Primary Investigator.

Publication Papers:

1. Du T, Ji F, Ni B, Liu R, Shu W, Zhang X, Zhu H, Tao W, Hu Y, Li Y: Factors affecting long-term outcome in dorsal root entry zone lesioning for brachial plexus avulsion. Pain, 2022 

2. Du T, Lu G, Li J, Ni B, Shu W, Sun T, Yang D, Zhu H: Pain-Free Survival After Endoscopic Rhizotomy Versus Radiofrequency for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Real-World Comparison Study. Pain Physician 25:E87-E94, 2022 

3. Zhang W, Li J, Huang S, Tian X, Meng Z, Zhang X, Wang Y, Du T, Zhang Y: Application-Based Early Interventions of Hardware-Related Infection After Invasive Neuromodulation Prevent Implant Removal. World Neurosurgery 168:74-78, 2022 

4. Du T, Ni B, Shu W, Hu Y, Zhu H, Li Y: Neurosurgical Choice for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Benefit-Harm Assessment of Long-Term Quality of Life. Neurosurgery 88:131-139, 2020

5. Du T, Ni B, Shu W, et al. Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning Following Unresponsive Spinal Cord Stimulation for Post-Traumatic Neuropathic Pain. World Neurosurgery. 2023;178(e300-e306).

6. Du T, Wang Y, Liu S, Ni B, Zhu H. Revision Surgery of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm:  2-Dimensional Operative Video. World Neurosurg. 2024;193(223)

7. Du T, Hu Y. In Reply to the Letter to the Editor Regarding "Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning Following Unresponsive Spinal Cord Stimulation for Post-Traumatic Neuropathic Pain". World Neurosurgery. 2025;193(276) 

Authorized Patents:

1. Du Tao; Ji Fan; Hu Yongsheng; Yu Tao; Li Jianyu; Zhu Hongwei; Lu Guang; Ni Bing; Shu Wei; Wang Rui. 202110986251.1 A Drug Storage System and Method. Invention Patent.

2. Du Tao; Zhu Hongwei; Ni Bing; Zu Wei; Wang Yunpeng; Lu Guang; Huang Yunjian; Yang Dou. 202411125131.2 A Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation System via Intervertebral Foramen Puncture. Invention Patent.

3. Du Tao; Wang Rui; Zhu Hongwei; Wang Yunpeng; Ni Bing; Shu Wei; Hu Yongsheng; Zu Wei; Huang Yunjian. 202323431423.2 A Wireless Miniature Neuroendoscopy System. Utility Model Patent.