A new seven-item checklist, SMART, aims to standardize the reporting of modifications during the development of innovative surgical procedures and devices, addressing inconsistencies that could impact research quality and implementation.

• Developed through stakeholder interviews, SMART focuses on key areas like specifying the starting configuration, detailing modifications, and describing procedural stability.
• The tool is designed to enhance the clarity and interpretability of surgical innovation studies when used with established reporting frameworks.

Surgeons should consider adopting this checklist to improve documentation and communication surrounding procedural modifications, fostering better research outcomes and patient safety.