SEEG has become an indispensable tool in the evaluation and surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. By enabling three-dimensional mapping of brain activity, SEEG allows clinicians to uncover deep epileptogenic zones with a precision previously impossible using surface EEG or subdural grids.

Its story, however, is as much about innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration as it is about clinical advancement. From its pioneering roots in Paris to the global impact it holds today, SEEG’s evolution is deeply tied to the vision and technical mastery of medical and engineering communities, particularly the lasting contribution of DIXI medical.

SEEG: From Concept to Clinical Standard

Here is a timeline highlighting the major milestones in SEEG’s development and its adoption worldwide:

• Late 1950s – Invention of SEEG: Jean Talairach and Jean Bancaud at Hôpital Sainte-Anne (Paris) pioneer the concept of three-dimensional intracerebral EEG using stereotactic methods. This marks the birth of SEEG.

• 1960s–1970s – Early Clinical Use: SEEG is applied selectively in French epilepsy centers, allowing for the localization of deep epileptogenic zones with unprecedented accuracy.

• 1970s – Technological Collaboration Begins: DIXI medical begins working with neurosurgeons at Rennes University Hospital to develop specialized electrodes for SEEG procedures.

• 2000s – Global Spread of SEEG: Centers in the U.S. and Canada begin integrating SEEG into their presurgical protocols. The Cleveland Clinic performs its first SEEG case in 2009.

• 2010s – Integration with Imaging & Robotics: SEEG undergoes a technological renaissance, benefiting from robotic guidance systems and advanced multimodal imaging.

Why SEEG Changed the Landscape of Epilepsy Surgery

Before SEEG, presurgical evaluations relied heavily on surface EEG and subdural grids, methods that often lacked the resolution to pinpoint deep-seated seizure foci. SEEG changed that equation.

By allowing three-dimensional recording of cortical and subcortical structures, SEEG:

• Enables high-precision mapping of epileptogenic zones, even in complex or non-lesional epilepsy cases.

• Differentiates primary seizure onset zones from propagation areas.

• Facilitates tailored surgical planning, improving the chance of seizure freedom while protecting eloquent cortex.

• Reduces surgical morbidity by allowing minimally invasive exploration with millimetric targeting.

These advantages have made SEEG particularly valuable in pediatric cases, MRI-negative epilepsy, and multilobar seizure disorders, areas where conventional methods often fall short.

DIXI medical’s Enduring Contribution

From the earliest days of SEEG’s clinical application, DIXI medical has been a trusted engineering partner for the neurosurgical community. The company’s dedication to quality, safety, and clinical collaboration has been essential to SEEG’s global adoption.

DIXI’s technology offers:

• A wide range of contact configurations to support complex case planning

• Compatibility with robotic systems

• Rigid safety and quality standards validated and recognized by FDA and CE-MDR certifications

By consistently working hand-in-hand with clinicians, DIXI medical has shaped the tools that define the modern SEEG experience. Their products are used in epilepsy centers worldwide, supporting thousands of procedures each year.

Looking Ahead: Precision-Guided Futures

As SEEG technology continues to intersect with advancements in neuroimaging, machine learning, and predictive analytics, its role in epilepsy care will only expand. Real-time seizure forecasting, precision medicine strategies, and AI-assisted interpretation are rapidly becoming part of the SEEG landscape.

DIXI medical remains committed to advancing these frontiers, developing next-generation tools that will support clinicians as they push the boundaries of epilepsy treatment.

SEEG’s Legacy and Promise

SEEG is more than a technique, it is a philosophy of precision, a tool of discovery, and a lifeline for patients with otherwise intractable epilepsy. From its pioneering origins in Paris to its current status as a global clinical standard, SEEG has redefined what is possible in neurosurgery.

At every step of that journey, DIXI medical has been there, helping to engineer the tools that make progress possible.