started · updated
London surgeons perform world-first AI-assisted brain tumor surgery
Surgeons in London have performed the world’s first brain tumor removal using real-time artificial intelligence assistance. The procedure, conducted at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, involved the removal of an 11mm benign tumor from the pituitary gland of 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert.
Unlike traditional surgical planning that relies on pre-operative scans, this AI system—developed by researchers at University College London (UCL) and funded by Google and the NIHR—analyzed live video feeds during the operation. The technology identified and highlighted critical anatomical structures, such as blood vessels and nerves, in real time to help surgeons avoid accidental damage that could lead to blindness, stroke, or death.
Mr. Hibbert, who was at risk of losing his peripheral vision due to the tumor's pressure on his optic nerves, has since recovered and returned to work. The AI tool was trained on hundreds of previous surgical videos to recognize complex anatomical variations that may differ from static pre-operative imaging.
Entities
Google · National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery · Rhys Hibbert · UCL Hawkes Institute · University College London · University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The AI system identified and color-coded anatomical structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, in real-time during the surgery. www.topalbaniaradio.com · massinformacion.com.mx · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The surgical intervention successfully helped the patient preserve his vision. www.topalbaniaradio.com · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The patient had a benign 11 mm tumor located in the pituitary gland. massinformacion.com.mx · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The AI technology used in the surgery was developed by researchers at the UCL Hawkes Institute. www.topalbaniaradio.com · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz
- [● 3 SOURCES] Rhys Hibbert is the first patient in the world to undergo brain tumor removal assisted by real-time AI. www.topalbaniaradio.com · massinformacion.com.mx · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz
- [● 2 SOURCES] The surgery took place at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. www.topalbaniaradio.com · www.diarioeconomico.co.mz