AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands, March 3, 2026
The SHERPA research consortium, coordinated by Royal Philips, has initiated seven clinical studies to validate AI- and robotics-assisted workflows for minimally invasive treatments of brain aneurysms and liver tumors. With a total budget of EUR 21.5 million, the four-year initiative is co-funded by the EU Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and industry partners, bringing together 16 organizations across seven European countries. The project aims to address mounting workforce shortages and procedural complexity in interventional radiology by deploying AI-powered assistive technologies that automate repetitive tasks, enhance precision, and streamline decision-making.
AI-Powered Workflow Automation in Interventional Care
The SHERPA initiative focuses on developing end-to-end automated clinical workflows spanning imaging, treatment planning, real-time guidance, decision support, and post-procedure follow-up. Interventional radiology procedures—particularly brain aneurysm repair and liver tumor ablation—require advanced imaging interpretation, device positioning accuracy, and extensive operator expertise. These demands coincide with an anticipated shortage of 600,000 physicians in the European Union by 2030, intensifying pressure on healthcare systems.
To respond to these challenges, SHERPA has integrated AI algorithms for aneurysm detection, rupture risk prediction, and therapy planning, alongside robotic technologies designed to improve procedural precision. Additional AI tools have been developed to confirm treatment success and optimize imaging during interventions. By embedding these capabilities into orchestrated workflows, the consortium aims to create a “digital companion” framework that supports clinicians throughout complex procedures while maintaining patient-centered care.
Seven Clinical Studies to Validate Precision and Efficiency
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Over the next three years, the consortium will conduct seven studies to evaluate the clinical, operational, and patient-centered impact of these technologies. Five studies focus on neurovascular interventions, including AI-based aneurysm detection (RADAR), risk prediction modeling (Aneurysm@risk), device selection guidance (ASSIST), automatic imaging optimization (INTERACT), and digital follow-up monitoring (SAFO). These trials aim to improve early diagnosis, procedural planning accuracy, and long-term patient coordination.
Two additional studies address oncological interventions. The MISTRAL study evaluates advanced Cone Beam CT workflows for optimizing percutaneous liver tumor ablations, while the RHODES study compares robotic-assisted lung biopsies with conventional free-hand techniques to assess improvements in precision and device operability. Collectively, the trials are designed to demonstrate measurable benefits in clinical efficiency, workload optimization, procedural safety, and interventionist satisfaction.
Addressing Workforce Gaps Through Public-Private Collaboration
The SHERPA consortium represents a broad public-private partnership involving medical technology companies, academic medical centers, and research organizations. Participating institutions include leading hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Spain, alongside industry partners specializing in imaging, robotics, and visualization systems. This collaborative model underscores the growing role of AI-driven medical technologies in addressing systemic healthcare capacity constraints.
Minimally invasive procedures for aneurysms and tumors rely heavily on real-time imaging and technical accuracy. By leveraging AI-enabled tools to reduce cognitive burden and accelerate learning curves, SHERPA aims to expand access to complex interventions while preserving quality and safety standards. The technologies developed under this initiative are expected to enhance diagnostic precision, reduce procedure times, and improve patient outcomes in high-acuity clinical environments.
The consortium will also present its framework at the European Congress of Radiology 2026, highlighting the integration of AI-powered assistive technologies into interventional radiology practice. As healthcare systems across Europe confront demographic shifts and rising chronic disease prevalence, initiatives such as SHERPA signal a broader transition toward data-driven, automation-enabled clinical ecosystems designed to sustain quality care despite workforce shortages.
Source: SHERPA press release
