First patient in the world operated on with the help of artificial intelligence

In a groundbreaking medical milestone, British surgeons have successfully used artificial intelligence to assist in a brain operation for the first time. The AI system provided real-time guidance during the surgery, helping the team identify crucial blood vessels and nerves.

“

The AI's role was similar to 'a second pair of expert eyes'.

The patient, 48-year-old Rhys Hibbert, underwent surgery for a pituitary tumor that was pressing on his optic nerves, causing gradual peripheral vision loss. The tumor, measuring 11 millimeters, was located near the carotid arteries, making the operation particularly complex. Surgeons estimated a 25-50% chance of incomplete tumor removal and a 0.5-2% risk of damaging a major blood vessel.

The AI's unique contribution was its ability to analyze not only pre-operative scans but also the live video feed of the surgery. Displayed on a separate screen, the AI monitored surgical instruments and highlighted areas where important vessels and nerves might be located, guiding surgeons toward safer removal zones.

“

The system was trained on hundreds of recordings of pituitary tumor surgeries.

This advanced AI system was trained on hundreds of recordings from pituitary tumor surgeries. Neurosurgeon Hani Marcus described the system's role as akin to "a second pair of expert eyes," having been exposed to more operations than most surgeons encounter in their entire careers. The surgery was performed at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London by Naija Marcus and neurosurgeon Danyal Khan.

“

Surgeons assessed that there was a 25 to 50 percent chance that the tumor could not be completely removed.

Crucially, the surgeons emphasize that the AI does not replace human surgeons, who maintain complete control and can choose to disregard its advice. The research team plans to test the technology in a larger clinical trial, with the long-term goal of developing a "ChatGPT for surgeons" that offers supplementary expert assistance during complex procedures, while ensuring the final decision always rests with the human operator.

“

The risk of damaging a major blood vessel was between 0.5 and two percent.