Barcelona Hospitals Join EU Alzheimer Surgery Trial

Robotic Microsurgery Trial Launching in Catalonia

Hospitals Can Ruti in Badalona and Sant Pau in Barcelona will represent Spain in 'Remind EU', a large-scale multicentre European study investigating a minimally invasive robotic microsurgery for Alzheimer’s disease. The procedure, known as cervical lymphaticovenous anastomosis, aims to improve the brain’s clearance of beta-amyloid and tau proteins linked to the disease. The study, set to begin by the end of 2026, will involve around five or six hospitals across Spain, France, Poland, and Switzerland. At Can Ruti, the Plastic Surgery lead Dr Carmen Higueras confirmed the hospital is finalising administrative procedures and ethics committee approvals ahead of launch.

How the Procedure Works

The surgery involves creating micro-connections between lymphatic vessels and small veins in the neck to redirect lymphatic fluid into the venous system, enhancing drainage of cerebrospinal fluid and brain waste products. It is performed using a surgical robot that eliminates hand tremors, ensuring precision in micro-anastomoses under two or three millimetres in diameter. Dr Higueras explained the robotic element is the key innovation over existing techniques: “Instead of doing them by hand, they will be done with a robot. This is the difference with the study we are doing now, nothing more.” She added the technology could help standardise outcomes: “It’s about democratising the anastomosis so every patient gets the same quality of surgery.”

Current Phase Focuses on Safety

Can Ruti is already conducting a phase one trial called ALCEA (Clinical and Biological Effects of Cervical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in Alzheimer’s Disease), which includes ten patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. As of September 2026, six patients have undergone the procedure, with the goal of completing the cohort before year-end. According to Dr Higueras, the primary aim of this initial phase is to assess safety: “We can say all patients are doing well and there have been no complications.” While one patient showed improved speech fluency three months post-surgery, she stressed it is too early to assess efficacy: “Results are seen at six months. It’s very early to talk about anything.” Albert Lleó, director of the Neurology Service at Sant Pau, described the surgery as “minimally invasive” with low risk, but noted its effectiveness “is still under discussion.” Sant Pau is also completing the necessary steps to join the trial.

European Expansion of Experimental Treatment

The treatment has previously been tested in China and the United States, though not yet proven effective. The European trial follows a similar US study launched in April 2026 and will include at least 50 to 60 patients across centres. This broader data pool could accelerate research and, if successful, lead to a standardised protocol for wider clinical use. The involvement of Can Ruti and Sant Pau marks the first time this robotic-assisted approach will be evaluated in Europe. The hospitals are part of a growing international effort to explore non-pharmacological interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.

“We are crossing the midpoint: this September we will treat the sixth patient of the 10 planned in the study. Our forecast is to complete phase one before the end of the year.”
, Dr Carmen Higueras, Plastic Surgery Lead, Can Ruti

Reported by elperiodico.cat, L'Empordà, 20minutos.es, elperiodico.com, ARA, santpau.cat, elcontrapunt.cat, eui.santpau.cat, novilunio.net, El Periódico (CA).