World's first patient undergoes AI-assisted surgery to get brain tumour removed
Surgeons in London performed the world's first AI-assisted brain tumor removal, where an AI system provided real-time guidance to avoid critical nerves and blood vessels. The patient, who suffered from vision loss, has successfully recovered following the procedure.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in medical technology, demonstrating the potential for AI to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Neurosurgeons in London have removed a brain tumour while an artificial intelligence system watched the operation as it happened and flagged what not to touch, a world first for live AI-assisted surgery. The patient, 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert from Bedfordshire, was slowly going blind from an 11mm growth on his pituitary gland. He came out of theatre with his sight intact and, within a week, was walking without his sticks.The operation was carried out in May at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, part of University College London Hospitals, and made public only on 27 August, once Hibbert had recovered. Prof Hani Marcus performed it alongside surgical resident Danyal Khan, with the AI running on a second screen throughout.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in