A British man has become the first person worldwide to undergo brain surgery assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) guidance in real time, in a procedure that preserved his sight. Rhys Hibbert, 48, a customer services manager from Bedfordshire, had a tumour removed from his pituitary gland with the help of AI technology that analysed a live video feed during the operation. The AI system provided colour-coded identification of intricate structures within the brain, aiding surgeons in navigating the delicate area.
Hibbert was diagnosed with the tumour in 2024 and underwent the surgery in May. Since then, he has returned to work and expressed humility at being the inaugural patient involved in this research.
The operation was carried out by Professor Hani Marcus, a consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London and professor of neurosurgery at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. Marcus highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasising the use of a UK-developed AI system to lower risks associated with complex neurosurgical procedures. He also acknowledged the contributions of the research participants and medical team involved in the trial.
This development marks a notable advancement in the integration of AI into surgical practice, with potential implications for improving outcomes in brain surgery by enhancing the precision and safety of operations in sensitive regions.