London neurosurgeons perform world's first AI-assisted brain surgery

Surgeons at University College London Hospitals have performed the world’s first successful brain surgery using real-time artificial intelligence assistance. The procedure, conducted at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, was used to remove an 11mm non-cancerous tumour from the pituitary gland of 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert.

The AI system, developed in-house at the UCL Hawkes Institute, analysed live video feeds during the operation to identify and colour-code critical anatomical structures. This allowed the surgical team to navigate around essential blood vessels and nerves that were hidden or difficult to see, reducing the risk of complications such as blindness, stroke, or death.

Mr. Hibbert, who faced the risk of losing his sight due to the tumour pressing on his optic nerves, reported a successful recovery and a significant improvement in his vision. Medical officials noted that while the AI served as a sophisticated guidance tool, the surgeons maintained full control over all surgical decisions and manual operations.