Key facts
- The world's first successful AI-assisted brain tumour removal surgery was performed in London.
- An AI system analyzed live surgical footage to identify critical anatomical structures.
- The patient, Rhys Hibbert, recovered his sight and energy after the procedure.
- The AI system was trained on hundreds of surgical videos to recognize anatomy and instruments in real-time.
Rhys Hibbert, a 48-year-old father-of-two from Bedfordshire, has become the world's first patient to undergo successful brain surgery with live artificial intelligence assistance. Surgeons at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London used an AI tool that analyzed a video feed of the operation in real-time, advising them on how to avoid crucial hidden vessels and nerves. This allowed for the safe removal of an 11mm non-cancerous tumour growing on his pituitary gland, which was pressing on his optic nerves and narrowing his peripheral vision.
Hibbert opted to be the first patient to try the bespoke AI tool. The surgery involved inserting an endoscope via the nose to the base of the skull. The AI system, trained on hundreds of videos of pituitary tumour removals, acted as an 'expert second pair of eyes' by marking areas where it was safest to operate. Surgeons retained full control throughout the procedure.
Since the surgery eight weeks ago, Hibbert has reported a significant improvement in his vision, describing it as '360-degree vision,' and has regained his energy. He stated the operation has 'given me my life back.' The technology was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Google, and the team is planning a larger trial.