Brainwave – The Irish Epilepsy Association – Shedding a light on epilepsy

Future Epilepsy Surgery candidates may benefit from research into the use of robots in carrying out minimally invasive operations. An EU funded study involves the application of robot and sensor integration for enhanced computer assisted neurosurgery. The approach is known as RoboCast and the European and Israeli scientists behind it have identified thirteen types of movement that the robot can perform, compared to the surgeons' hand which can perform four. The goal is to develop keyhole brain surgery techniques for conditions such epilepsy and parkinsons disease among others which neurosurgeons can perform using the robots. The system has been tested on models and is being refined for use with live patients. A further project called Active will develop similar robotic neurosurgery for patients who need to have awake brain surgery.

The RoboCast Project is funded by the EU at a cost of nearly € 3.5 million to date. Up to 70% of people with epilepsy can have their seizures controlled with medication. Currently surgery is an option for some o the other 30% of people who have certain types of epilepsy which have a known and operable focus. According to Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes RoboCast has the potential to cut waiting lists and deliver better results for patients. 

For more information about RoboCast and robot assisted neurosurgery see www.robocast.eu and www.europa.eu