World's first patient to undergo live AI-assisted brain surgery has tumour removed
A patient in the UK has become the first in the world to undergo brain surgery with live AI assistance to remove a non-cancerous tumour. The AI tool provided real-time guidance to surgeons to help navigate complex nerves and blood vessels.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in medical technology, demonstrating how AI can enhance surgical precision and improve patient safety outcomes.
Image caption, Rhys Hibbert's tumour could have led to blindness
The world's first patient to have brain surgery with live artificial intelligence assistance has successfully had his tumour removed.
Rhys Hibbert, a father-of-two from Bedfordshire, could have lost his sight without the operation, said surgeons at University College London Hospital.
The AI tool analysed a video feed of the operation as it happened and advised surgeons on how to avoid crucial but hidden vessels and nerves in the brain. It allowed them to safely remove as much of the tumour as possible.
"From a patient safety perspective, I can see absolutely the benefit. There are no road signs inside our head," said Hibbert.
Until 18 months ago, 48-year-old Hibbert, a customer services manager, was fit and healthy, going on a two-mile walk every lunchtime.
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