AI-guided brain surgery removes tumour in groundbreaking live-assistance case
A 48-year-old man in Bedfordshire underwent pituitary tumour removal at University College London Hospital with real-time AI guidance, leading to a successful outcome.
Rhys Hibbert, a 48-year-old customer-services manager from Bedfordshire, had an 11 mm pituitary tumour removed at University College London Hospital using a novel AI system that analyzed the operation’s video feed in real time. The AI highlighted likely locations of vital blood vessels and optic nerves, allowing surgeons to navigate safely through the nasal corridor and excise the tumour while preserving vision. Trained on hundreds of prior pituitary procedures, the system functions like a live “Surgical ChatGPT,” offering instant anatomical advice while the surgeon retains full control.
The operation, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Google, marks the first clinical use of such technology and paves the way for larger trials. Hibbert reported restored vision and energy within weeks, describing the experience as getting his life back. Health Innovation Minister James Frith welcomed the breakthrough, emphasizing the need for safeguards while embracing AI’s potential in medicine.
Why it matters
It shows AI can safely augment surgeons, potentially improving outcomes for complex brain operations.
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