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AI assists in world's first real-time brain tumor surgery
🇷🇸 Serbia /Health & Science

AI assists in world's first real-time brain tumor surgery

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • A patient has undergone the world's first brain tumor removal surgery assisted by real-time artificial intelligence.
  • The AI tool analyzed the surgery's video feed, guiding surgeons to avoid critical blood vessels and nerves, allowing for safer and more complete tumor removal.
  • The patient, Rhys Hibbert, volunteered for the experimental procedure, highlighting the importance of patient participation in medical advancement.

Rhys Hibbert, a father of two from Bedfordshire, has become the first patient globally to have a brain tumor removed during surgery guided by artificial intelligence in real-time. Surgeons at University College Hospital in London reported the successful procedure, which was crucial for Hibbert to preserve his sight.

The AI tool analyzed the live video feed of the operation. It advised surgeons on how to navigate around vital, yet hidden, blood vessels and nerves within the brain. This guidance enabled the surgical team to safely remove as much of the tumor as possible. "From a patient safety perspective, I can absolutely see the benefit. There are no signposts in our heads," Hibbert stated.

Hibbert, a 48-year-old customer support manager, was in good health until 18 months prior, when he experienced a sudden loss of consciousness and seizures. A brain scan revealed a 11-millimeter non-cancerous tumor on his pituitary gland, located at the base of his skull. This gland is critical for hormone production and regulating bodily functions, and its proximity to the carotid arteries and optic nerves made the surgery particularly delicate.

From a patient safety perspective, I can absolutely see the benefit. There are no signposts in our heads.

— Rhys Hibbertcommenting on the safety benefits of AI-assisted surgery.

As the tumor pressed on his optic nerves, Hibbert's peripheral vision began to narrow. Despite initial non-necessity for surgery, he experienced increasing fatigue, dizziness, and stumbled over objects. "During 18 years of marriage, I always got out of bed and made my wife a cup of coffee," Hibbert recalled. "And I wasn't going to let this tumor stop me from doing that." He found the emotional and psychological toll the most challenging, not wanting to be a burden to others.

When offered the chance to be the first patient for the AI-assisted surgery, Hibbert readily agreed. "If patients aren't willing to participate in research, how will doctors ever learn and how will medicine advance?" he questioned. The surgery involved inserting an endoscope through the nose to the skull base. The AI tool, described as a "surgical ChatGPT," monitored the instruments and highlighted areas with potential blood vessels and nerves, guiding the surgeons through the complex anatomy.

If patients aren't willing to participate in research, how will doctors ever learn and how will medicine advance?

— Rhys Hibbertexplaining his decision to volunteer for the experimental surgery.
About this summary

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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