SEISMIC consortium secures EUR 23.5 million IHI grant to pioneer next-generation minimally invasive brain treatments

Core Insights - Royal Philips, a leader in health technology, has announced the SEISMIC research consortium, which aims to transform neurosurgery through the integration of minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced imaging technologies, supported by EUR 23.5 million in public funding and EUR 14.9 million in contributions from industry partners [1][6]. Group 1: Project Overview - The SEISMIC project will focus on improving patient care by shifting from open brain surgery to minimally invasive procedures, utilizing advanced imaging and precision navigation [2][4]. - The project will develop an integrated suite of technologies, including real-time surgical navigation combining ultrasound and live X-ray imaging, and minimally invasive biopsy and treatment techniques [5][6]. - The total budget for the five-year research program is EUR 38.4 million, which includes eight clinical studies to validate technical solutions for minimally invasive neurosurgery [6][7]. Group 2: Medical and Societal Impact - Neurological conditions, such as hemorrhagic stroke and brain tumors, are significant contributors to global health issues and socioeconomic costs, necessitating urgent minimally invasive treatment options [3][4]. - The SEISMIC project aims to reduce procedure times, minimize surgical trauma, and accelerate patient recovery, thereby improving clinical outcomes and expanding access to specialized neurosurgical care [7]. Group 3: Specific Conditions Addressed - The project will specifically target three critical neurological conditions: intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and brain tumors, focusing on enhancing surgical techniques and diagnostic methods [5][13]. - For intracerebral hemorrhage, the project will explore the use of real-time imaging to guide minimally invasive drainage devices [5][13]. - In addressing subdural hematoma, the team will investigate a combined procedure for drainage and embolization to prevent recurrence of bleeding [13]. - For brain tumors, SEISMIC will assess the use of cryoablation and focused ultrasound-enhanced liquid biopsy to reduce the need for open surgery [13].