London neurosurgeons perform first successful AI-assisted operation to remove brain tumour

THE NEWS

What happened

London neurosurgeons at University College London Hospitals have successfully performed the world's first AI-assisted operation to remove a brain tumor. The system analyzed live camera footage in real-time, color-coding critical structures like nerves and blood vessels near the patient's pituitary gland to prevent accidental damage. The 48-year-old patient, Rhys Hibbert, regained his vision and returned to work within a week, avoiding blindness that would have occurred without the procedure.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

Historic breakthrough: London neurosurgeons complete the world's first successful AI-assisted brain tumor removal. The AI system analyzed live footage to color-code critical nerves and blood vessels near the patient's pituitary gland, preventing accidental damage. Patient Rhys Hibbert regained his sight and returned to work in just one week. This pioneering trial at University College London Hospitals demonstrates how advanced AI can support surgeons in high-stakes procedures, potentially saving vision and lives.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• The surgery took place in May at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London.
• The AI system analyzed live video footage to identify tiny anatomy, color-coding nerves and blood vessels to guide the surgeon.
• Patient Rhys Hibbert had an 11mm tumor on his pituitary gland and faced potential blindness without the operation.
• Dr. Sophia Bano from UCL led the AI system, which learned from hundreds of surgical videos to recognize critical anatomy in real-time.
• The patient recovered independently within a week and has returned to his job as a customer service manager.
• This marks the first time this specific AI technology was used on a live patient, previously limited to research tools.