First AI-Assisted Brain Surgery Successfully Removes Patient's Tumor
World’s first patient to undergo live AI-assisted brain surgery has tumour removed
A British patient has become the first person to undergo brain surgery with live artificial intelligence assistance, according to reporting from the BBC. Rhys Hibbert, a 48-year-old customer services manager from Bedfordshire, had an 11-millimeter non-cancerous tumor removed from his pituitary gland at University College London Hospital. The AI system analyzed video feeds of the operation in real time, advising surgeons on how to safely avoid critical blood vessels and nerves while maximizing tumor removal. Without the procedure, Hibbert risked losing his sight. He collapsed and suffered seizures during a routine walk 18 months ago, leading to his diagnosis. "From a patient safety perspective, I can see absolutely the benefit," Hibbert said of the technology. The successful procedure marks a significant milestone in the application of artificial intelligence to surgical medicine.
