World's First Real-Time AI-Assisted Brain Surgery Performed

Surgeons at University College London Hospital have achieved a world first by performing a real-time AI-assisted brain surgery. The patient's tumor was safely removed thanks to this new technology, averting the risk of vision loss.

The First AI-Assisted Operation

Surgeons at University College London Hospital have successfully removed the tumor of Rhys Hibbert, who became the first patient in the world to undergo a real-time AI-assisted brain surgery.

The surgeons stated that the father of two from Bedfordshire could have completely lost his eyesight if he had not undergone this operation.

The Role of AI in Surgery

The AI device analyzed video footage of the surgery as it took place, advising surgeons on how to avoid vital, hidden blood vessels and nerves in the brain.

This allowed the surgeons the opportunity to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible.

The Patient's Medical Journey

Forty-eight-year-old customer service manager Rhys Hibbert had been living a fit and healthy life until eighteen months ago.

After losing consciousness and suffering a seizure during one of his walks, scans revealed an eleven-millimeter non-cancerous tumor in his pituitary gland.

Surgery via the Nasal Route

During the operation, an endoscope was inserted through the nose to the base of the skull, initiating the procedure in this manner.

The AI tool analyzed the imagery in real time on a second screen, tracking surgical instruments and highlighting the safest areas.

Future Goals

Researchers rigorously trained the AI systems on hundreds of pituitary tumor surgery videos.

It was stated that the long-term goal of the team, led by Professor Hani Marcus and Danyal Khan who performed the surgery, is to develop a sort of ChatGPT for surgeons.