World’s first patient to undergo live AI-assisted brain surgery has tumour removed

A 48-year-old man has become the first patient in the world to undergo brain surgery with live artificial intelligence assistance, according to surgeons at University College London Hospital.

Rhys Hibbert, a father of two from Bedfordshire, had an 11mm non-cancerous tumour on his pituitary gland, located close to the optic nerves and carotid arteries. As the tumour grew, it began affecting his peripheral vision and could eventually have caused blindness.

During the operation, an AI system analysed a live video feed of the surgery and advised surgeons on how to avoid critical blood vessels and nerves that could not be easily seen.

The technology helped the surgical team safely remove as much of the tumour as possible.

Hibbert said the procedure demonstrated the potential benefits of AI for patient safety, noting that there are no “road signs” inside the human brain.

The patient had previously been healthy but began experiencing seizures, dizziness, severe fatigue and problems with his vision after the tumour was discovered.