British patient becomes first to undergo live AI-assisted brain surgery

A British man has become the first patient in the world to undergo brain tumour surgery using artificial intelligence to support surgeons in real time.

Rhys Hibbert, 48, underwent the pioneering operation at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London after a tumour on his pituitary gland began threatening his eyesight.

The procedure took place in May as part of a clinical trial involving AI technology developed by researchers at University College London.

Unlike systems that analyse scans before an operation, the technology examined the live video feed from the surgical camera while the procedure was taking place.

It then highlighted important anatomical structures, helping the surgical team identify areas that needed to be avoided while removing as much of the tumour as safely possible.

The area around the pituitary gland is particularly challenging because blood vessels and nerves controlling vision are packed closely together.

An error of only a small distance can potentially cause serious complications, including damage to a patient's sight.

The AI was therefore used as an additional source of information for the surgical team rather than operating independently.

The surgeon remained in control throughout the procedure.

Mr Hibbert's tumour was discovered unexpectedly after he collapsed and suffered a seizure during a walk in December 2024.

Further tests identified an approximately 11mm tumour on his pituitary gland.

His condition was initially managed without surgery, but he later developed hormone problems and worsening vision.

His peripheral vision deteriorated to the point that he was repeatedly tripping and began using walking sticks.

Mr Hibbert subsequently opted for surgery and volunteered to participate in research at the hospital.

Days before the operation, he was offered the opportunity to become the first patient to have the AI technology used during a live procedure.

The tumour was successfully removed and his eyesight was protected.

Mr Hibbert reported a dramatic improvement in his vision after waking from surgery and was walking independently without glasses or sticks within a week.

He has since returned to work and continues to recover.

Professor Hani Marcus, consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and professor of neurosurgery at UCL, performed the operation alongside surgical resident Danyal Khan.

Professor Marcus described the procedure as an important first step in using UK-developed AI to help reduce risks during particularly delicate operations.

The system was developed by a multidisciplinary team at UCL's Hawkes Institute.

Researchers trained and evaluated it using a large collection of annotated videos from previous endoscopic pituitary operations.

By analysing previous procedures, the technology has learned to recognise anatomy, surgical instruments and interactions between instruments and human tissue.

Researchers had previously used the technology as a training tool for surgeons before progressing to its use during a live operation.

The project has received funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Google, alongside support from other research organisations.

Researchers believe the technology could eventually provide surgeons with additional real-time information during complex procedures and potentially help improve patient safety.

The first operation remains part of a clinical trial, meaning further research and evaluation will be required before the technology could become routinely used in operating theatres.

The development nevertheless marks an important step in the use of artificial intelligence in medicine, moving AI from analysing medical information and assisting surgical training to providing surgeons with live guidance while an operation is actually taking place.

Open article on Cheshire Today