We are pleased to announce the awarding of the research project ARTEMISA (Efficiency in Neurosurgery with Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence), a collaborative initiative between FISABIO, ASCIRES, and Veratech for Health, funded by the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation and the European Union. More information at www.artemisapro.com.

This project aims to transform the practice of neurosurgery through the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital twins. Through the development of innovative software tools, ARTEMISA seeks to assist neurosurgeons in the planning, simulation, and execution of surgical procedures, significantly enhancing the precision, safety, and efficiency of interventions.

The project includes several objectives aimed not only at advancing technological innovation but also at contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible healthcare model. Among these objectives is the reduction of the environmental impact associated with neurosurgical procedures, achieved by shortening surgery times and optimizing the use of disposable materials. This will enable more efficient and less polluting surgeries, in line with current sustainability demands.

An advanced system for real-time visualization and manipulation of multimodal medical images and clinical data will also be developed, including MRI, CT scans, and nuclear medicine. This system will enable specialists to analyze high-resolution volumetric data using 2D and 3D graphic technologies, integrated into web-based and cloud platforms to ensure smooth, fast, and accessible interaction from various devices.

Another key line of the project is the development of an advanced surgical planning and simulation system, allowing neurosurgeons to practice and rehearse procedures prior to the actual intervention. By using segmentation techniques and three-dimensional reconstruction, accurate and detailed anatomical models will be generated to facilitate the optimal definition of surgical trajectories and approaches, minimizing risks and improving clinical outcomes.

In addition, the project aims to integrate virtual and augmented reality technologies directly into the operating room through the implementation of digital twins that provide real-time information about the patient's anatomy, relevant clinical data, the surgical trajectory, and the location of instruments. This innovation is intended to enhance precision and safety during surgery, supporting real-time decision-making.

Our contribution: infrastructure and data integration for virtual surgery

Within this ambitious project, our work is focused on developing the infrastructure and info-structure necessary to ensure efficient, secure, and standardized integration of health data in the virtual surgery environment.

To achieve this, we have defined several key sub-objectives:

• Establishment of data standards and formats: We are working on defining a robust set of standards and formats that allow for the consistent representation, storage, and communication of relevant clinical information.
• Semantic normalization of information: We adapt and normalize data into reusable semantic models using recognized standards such as OpenEHR. This approach ensures maximum interoperability and facilitates the reuse and adaptation of clinical information across different scenarios and contexts.
• Standardized health data repository: We are implementing a centralized and standardized repository in openEHR that enables efficient storage and management of all clinical information, both historical and newly generated within the virtual surgical environment.
• Design of a query interface for virtual surgery: Finally, we are developing an intuitive and accessible interface that allows professionals to consult all the necessary clinical information in real time to plan and carry out surgical interventions in virtual environments, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency.

With this project, we aim to contribute to the digital transformation of the surgical environment by embracing innovative technologies that promise to improve neurosurgery and enhance both clinical outcomes and the experience of professionals and patients.