World’s First AI-Assisted Brain Tumour Surgery in London

In May 2023, neurosurgeons at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London conducted the world’s first live, artificial intelligence-assisted operation to remove a brain tumour from 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert, who faced potential sight loss without surgery. This groundbreaking procedure utilized an AI system that analyzed a live video feed in real time, aiding surgeons in identifying critical structures at the base of the brain while they maintained full control.

The operation was part of a clinical trial involving AI technology developed at University College London (UCL) and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Google. The surgical team, led by consultant neurosurgeon Hani Marcus and surgical resident Danyal Khan, emphasized the importance of precision due to the proximity of the pituitary gland to vital blood vessels and nerves.

The AI system was trained on numerous annotated surgical videos to recognize critical anatomy and interactions, ultimately enhancing patient safety during complex procedures.